📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Phishing and Cybersecurity

Since the original article was published, there have been ongoing developments in the area of phishing and cybersecurity. While no new laws have been enacted from 2024 to 2026, the Cybersecurity Act of 2022 continues to shape how cyber incidents are reported and managed. The earlier article provides foundational information on phishing scams, which remains relevant today.

🛡️ Cybersecurity Act of 2022

The Cybersecurity Act of 2022 remains a key piece of legislation in the fight against cyber threats. This law requires critical infrastructure entities to report significant cyber incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 72 hours of discovering them. This change aims to improve the nation's response to cyber incidents, including phishing scams.

📊 Reporting Phishing Incidents

Phishing attacks are still widespread. Attackers use fake emails, websites, and messages to trick people into giving away sensitive information. Under the current law, organizations are encouraged to report these incidents, which helps to track and combat these threats effectively.

🌐 Information Sharing Initiatives

The law promotes sharing information about cyber threats between private companies and the federal government. This collaboration helps enhance defenses against phishing and other cyber scams, creating a united front to protect users.

💰 Cybersecurity Grants

The Cybersecurity Act also provides funding to state and local governments for improving their cybersecurity defenses. These grants can help bolster resources for detecting and preventing phishing scams at the local level.

📌 Key Points

  • Cybersecurity Act of 2022 mandates timely reporting of cyber incidents.
  • Phishing attacks continue to be a significant threat.
  • Information sharing between sectors improves defense strategies.
  • Funding is available for local cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Stay informed and use available resources to combat phishing.

💡 Tips for Recognizing Phishing Scams

Review the details of your specific situation with your attorney to understand the best actions for you.

🕵️‍♂️ Identify Suspicious Emails

Look for signs that an email may be a phishing attempt. Common indicators include poor grammar, unusual requests, and unfamiliar sender addresses. Always verify the source before taking action.

🔗 Avoid Clicking Links

Do not click on links within emails that seem suspicious. Instead, type the website address directly into your browser. This practice helps you avoid malicious websites designed to steal your information.

🔒 Use Strong Passwords

Implement strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Using a password manager can help keep your passwords secure and make it easier to manage them without reusing common passwords.

📱 Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Activating two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. This feature requires a second form of verification, making it harder for attackers to access your accounts even if they obtain your password.

🛑 Report Phishing Attempts

If you receive a phishing email, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting helps authorities track these scams and take appropriate action against the perpetrators.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid service currently meets the review threshold for this topic. Instead, this section lists free government and nonprofit resources available for those dealing with phishing and online scams.

🥇 1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC provides valuable resources for recognizing and responding to phishing scams. Their website offers guidance on how to report phishing attempts and information about consumer rights. It helps individuals understand the risks and how to protect themselves.

🥈 2. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

CISA offers guidelines for protecting against phishing and other cyber threats. Their resources are designed for both individuals and organizations, helping to improve awareness and defensive measures against cyber scams.

🥉 3. State Attorneys General Offices

Many state attorneys general provide consumer protection resources related to phishing and online scams. These offices help residents understand their rights and how to report scams specific to their states.

4️⃣ Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB offers resources to help consumers find trustworthy businesses and report scams. They provide information on how to recognize phishing attempts and protect personal information from fraudsters.

🔎 What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • 💰 Verify if the service is free or if there are hidden fees.
  • 👥 Research reviews and ratings from other users.
  • 📅 Check for recent updates or changes to services offered.
  • 📝 Ensure the resource is legitimate and recognized by government agencies.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is phishing?

Phishing is a cyber scam where attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details.

🛑 How can I report a phishing attempt?

You can report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their website. This helps authorities track and address these scams effectively.

📧 What should I do if I clicked a phishing link?

If you clicked on a phishing link, immediately change your passwords for any accounts you may have accessed. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and consider reporting the incident.

🔒 How can I protect my online information?

To protect your information, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about sharing personal details online. Regularly update your passwords as an added measure.

📞 Can I get help if I fall victim to a phishing scam?

Yes, if you fall victim to a phishing scam, report it to the FTC and your bank or credit card company. They can help you take steps to protect your finances and personal information.

⚖️ What are the penalties for phishing?

Penalties for phishing can include criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. The Cybersecurity Act of 2022 aims to strengthen enforcement against cyber-related crimes, including phishing.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Phishing

Recent court rulings highlight the ongoing legal struggle against phishing and cyber scams. These cases can set important precedents in how phishing is treated under the law.

For more insights into recent rulings, check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





What is a Phishing Scam?

A Phishing Scam is defined as a type of crime that is committed through the use of electronic communication systems within a virtual setting, typically facilitating individual computer systems, online networks, the Internet, or electronic databases in order to defraud unsuspecting victims.

In accordance with its most common incarnation, a Phishing Scam will typically disburse fraudulent electronic correspondence purposefully misrepresenting itself to resemble correspondence sent from reputable and legitimate businesses, entities, or commercial endeavors. Phishing Scam correspondence will oftentimes request the transmission of personal or financial information belonging to the victim.


Understanding and Preventing a Phishing Scam


Phishing Scam vs. Electronic Spamming

Although the nature of a Phishing Scam and Spamming are both considered to be criminal activities undertaken within the realm of an online, virtual setting, the individual classification of each of these fraudulent and illegal activities varies in conjunction to one another. 

The primary similarity of a Phishing Scam and Spamming exists with regard to the facilitation of the activity, which includes the mass-disbursement of unsolicited information with the intent of unethically reaching a vast expanse of eligible recipients with unsolicited correspondence.

Spam is the mass-transmission of electronic correspondence to recipients who have not requested such information. Electronic Spam exists both through E-mail correspondence, as well through intrusive computer programs undertaking measures to render ‘pop-up’ advertising on the individual computer terminals belonging to the victims of this crime.

A Phishing Scam undertakes a similar measure of solicitation, yet varies with regard to the end result of its respective solicitation.

A Phishing Scam will utilize fraudulent means of correspondence in order to misrepresent itself as a legitimate entity in order to immediately obtain personal and financial information belonging to the individual victim. A Phishing Scam will set forth fraudulent requests under the guise of those requests being authorized and official in nature.

Phishing Scam Prevention

The proliferation of Phishing Scams currently in existence are considered to take place in tandem with technological advancement, as well as the reliance of modern society on the Internet with regard to its provision of commercial opportunity and social networking. However, the following methodologies should be undertaken in order to ensure safety from the damage rendered by a Phishing Scam:

Computer Protection Software

Computer protection software may be facilitated in order to deter the potential solicitation of information considered to be private or personal through victimization resulting from a Phishing Scam. This nature of software provides for the protection and preservation of personal information – both private and financial in nature.

In order to deter the transmission of Phishing Scams, many e-mail providers have introduced electronic filtration systems aimed at deterring the delivery of prospective Phishing Scam activities.

Internet browsers have undertaken methodologies utilized in order to deter the insertion of unlawful tracking and monitoring programs onto personal computer terminals.

Reporting a Phishing Scam



The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a Federal institution mandated by the United States Government responsible for the maintenance, protection, and regulation of commercial activity undertaken through the use of the Internet within a virtual setting. The Federal Trade Commission can be contacted through their toll-free telephone number: (202) 326-2222. The reporting of a Phishing Scam can be conducted in an anonymous fashion.