Avoid websites impersonating websites

Avoid websites impersonating websites for the consequences of not doing so can be severe.

We were reminded of this risk just this week when our cloud accounts provider emailed to warn of websites impersonating their login page.

And of course, all websites are vulnerable to being impersonated by crooks.

Why do they do it?

To harvest (steal) user login credentials and other personal data.

For starters, think twice before entering your login credentials, even when logging into your own website!

Adopt some or all of the simple steps below to protect your personal data.

Some simple steps you can take

Avoid using search engines to directly or indirectly access website login pages.

Avoid mis-spelling the domain name or its suffix:

• use a password manager or address book and copy the URL from it into the browser address bar,
• or bookmark the correct login page URL in your web browser.

Mult-factor Authentication (MFA)

If available then its use can help prevent unauthorised access even when your password has been compromised.

The Joomla! CMS is equipped with MFA.

Read more: Multi-factor Authentication.

Monitor website activity

Peridoically check for unauthorised updates to user, bank account or third-party integrations (like open banking).

If you are suspicious that your user account has been compromised then change your password immediately.

The Joomla! CMS is equipped with a User Actions Log.

Read more: User Actions Log.

Use strong user credentials

See our separate article in our JOOMLERS.UK User Guide.

Read more: Usernames and Passwords.