You receive an email that looks like it’s from a vendor asking you to click a hyperlink, but the email address appears suspicious. In all likelihood, this is a phishing attack. Businesses often are the targets of these scams. They might lose data or money and may have to deal with malware or ransomware infecting their computers.
When scammers make a move against a single employee, it’s usually the first part of an elaborate attack. They can then easily gain access to finances, business secrets, and customer information. Scammers sell this information on the dark web, leaving you to pick up the pieces and repair your reputation. Read on to learn how to inform your employees and protect your company from dangerous phishing attacks.
Protect Your Network
For any business, it’s imperative that you are proactive against phishing threats. To start, you must ensure your company won’t be destroyed if a phishing attack does occur. You need to make sure that you may continue with business as usual following an attack. Backing up your data will help protect your network.
You’ll want to regularly back up all of your data, from finance records to customer data to employee information. Store the backups on a server that is not connected to the network. If hackers find a way to access your network, you can restore everything without missing a beat. Data backup should be a routine part of every day. Plus, you’ll always have an up-to-date copy of all essential data that keeps your business running.
Select a virus protection program that includes features like application allowlisting and install it on all office computers. The program will protect against viruses, malware, and phishing, and it typically updates automatically. Additionally, consider implementing other forms of protection, such as email authentication and software that prevents intrusion from outside sources.
Teach Password Safety
Training your employees to identify and mitigate phishing attacks should include classes on password safety. After reviewing what to expect and how to spot current phishing trends, hold simulated phishing attacks to test employees. This allows workers a hands-on experience in spotting phishing emails and websites and reporting them to the IT department. Simulations are an effective method for identifying gaps in your employees’ understanding of the training. You might also update the training to better teach these concepts.
Use a password manager for all websites and software. This application will generate encrypted passwords, which it stores and automatically fills in for various accounts. Employees then only need to remember the master password, which should be strong and unique. Using a password manager can help alleviate common mistakes in password creation. This includes passwords that are weak, reused on multiple sites, predictable, or stored digitally or physically.
Even with the use of a password manager, you’ll want to regularly conduct audits on your employees’ passwords. This simply involves checking passwords either manually, by asking employees, or automatically, by using a tool that scans passwords. You may also use this tool to check the strength of your passwords and identify any vulnerabilities. A password audit enables workers to get feedback on their password choices and receive recommendations for better ones.
Know the Signs of Phishing
Phishing attacks are on the rise with 84% of organizations targeted in 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were 1,350,037 total phishing attacks, with the number increasing 150% each year. So, it’s dire that your employees know the signs of a phishing attack and how to respond.
Phishing emails or texts will look like they’re from someone you know, with realistic logos and a convincing email address. The email usually asks you to click a link or provide sensitive information, such as passwords or company bank accounts. These scams often portray a sense of urgency to encourage your quick response without considering if it is a scam. Providing your password may give scammers access to your business accounts, particularly if you use the password on multiple sites. Similarly, clicking a link could install ransomware on your computer, making your company network vulnerable, and locking everyone out.
If you receive an email or text requesting sensitive information, do some research before taking any action. Go to the website manually, without clicking the provided link. Are the phone number and email listed the same on their website contact page? Ask a colleague or call IT to get their opinion on the request. Better yet, call the vendor, client, or coworker who supposedly sent the email using a known number to verify.
Preventing Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks aimed at businesses are incredibly common. So it’s important to be proactive to protect your organization. Not only should you use software aimed at catching an attack, but also train your employees to spot them. Everyone needs to understand how phishing works. Since scammers use new methods regularly, schedule training sessions often to keep employees informed and educated.
Teach employees to stop and think before replying to an urgent email requesting sensitive information. Even if the email appears to be from a close coworker or their boss, it might be deceiving. Taking time to assess the email could be the difference between spotting a scammer and creating havoc in the company.
