Is MFA enough to stop credential phishing attacks?

MFA can help stop many credential phishing attacks, but there is a caveat. You need to pick a phishing-resistant option, like FIDO2 passkeys or hardware security keys that are tied to the legitimate domain. Other MFA tools, such as one-time codes or push approvals, can be intercepted by Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) attacks.

If I use a passkey, am I still vulnerable to credential phishing?

Passkeys are one of the strongest defenses against credential phishing available today. Unlike passwords, passkeys are cryptographically tied to a specific website or app. If you land on a fake login page, your device won't offer the passkey for the legitimate site, making traditional credential phishing attacks far less effective.

Can I be phished just by opening an email, even if I don’t click anything?

It’s rare, but opening an email can still expose some information. Some attacks use tracking pixels or malicious HTML that load automatically when the email opens, revealing your IP address or device details. But credential phishing usually requires you to click a link and enter your login details on a fake page.

How can I tell if my credentials are already being sold on the dark web?

One of the easiest ways is to use Dark Web Monitoring with a tool like Norton 360 Deluxe. It scans known criminal forums and dark web sources, and alerts you if your information appears.

Credential phishing: How to spot it and secure your accounts

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