Don't Fall for Phishing
As the weather cools down and the fall approaches, businesses may find themselves busier than usual. Unfortunately, this increased activity also provides the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to launch phishing attacks. In fact, phishing scams often see a spike in the fall, targeting employees who are distracted by end-of-year deadlines, holiday preparations, and the influx of communication during this season.
We have seen a rise in phishing scams in the fall and share actionable steps you can take to protect your business from becoming a victim.
Why Phishing Scams Increase in the Fall
Phishing attacks occur year-round, but certain factors make the fall a prime time for these scams:
Year-End Financial Activities:
Fall is often the time for financial transactions like tax planning, budgeting, and end-of-year reporting. Cybercriminals exploit this by sending fraudulent emails disguised as requests from vendors, clients, or financial institutions.
Seasonal Promotions:
Many businesses run promotions or offer holiday deals during the fall. Phishing scams disguised as offers or promotions can easily trick employees into clicking on malicious links.
Increased Communication:
As companies prepare for the holidays and the new year, there’s a natural uptick in emails, invoices, and external communications. This provides cybercriminals with more chances to blend in with legitimate correspondence.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a cyberattack in which hackers disguise themselves as trustworthy entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, account details, or credit card numbers. The most common form of phishing comes through email, but it can also happen via phone calls (vishing) or text messages (smishing).
A successful phishing attack can lead to financial losses, data breaches, or even identity theft, making it crucial for businesses to remain vigilant.
Signs of a Phishing Email
While phishing emails can sometimes appear convincing, there are usually red flags that can help you and your employees identify them. Here are some key signs to look out for:
Unexpected Sender:
Be cautious of emails from unknown senders or unexpected emails from people within your network. If it seems out of place, it might be a phishing attempt.
Generic Greetings:
Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear Sir/Madam” instead of addressing the recipient by name.
Urgency or Threats:
Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, such as “Your account will be closed in 24 hours!” to pressure recipients into acting without thinking.
Suspicious Links or Attachments:
Always hover over links in emails to check their legitimacy before clicking. Phishing emails frequently contain malicious links or attachments that can install malware.
Poor Grammar or Spelling:
Professional companies rarely send emails with multiple spelling or grammatical errors, which are common in phishing attempts.
How to Protect Your Business from Phishing Scams
Here are practical steps to help safeguard your business from phishing scams this fall:
1. Employee Training
Your employees are your first line of defense against phishing attacks. Conduct regular cybersecurity training that includes how to spot phishing emails, what to do when they receive a suspicious email, and how to report potential threats. The more knowledgeable your team is, the less likely they are to fall victim to phishing.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if an employee's password is compromised through a phishing attack, multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. MFA requires users to verify their identity through an additional method (like a text message code) before accessing accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to breach your systems.
3. Use Advanced Email Filters
Invest in advanced email filtering solutions that can detect and block phishing emails before they reach your employees’ inboxes. These systems use algorithms to identify suspicious emails and quarantine them, minimizing the risk of exposure.
4. Limit Access to Sensitive Information
Restrict employee access to sensitive information based on their roles. By applying the principle of least privilege, even if an employee falls for a phishing scam, the damage will be limited if they don’t have access to critical systems or data.
5. Regularly Update Software
Ensure all software, especially your antivirus and email systems, is regularly updated to defend against the latest threats. Many phishing attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, so keeping everything up to date is essential.
6. Conduct Simulated Phishing Tests
Consider running simulated phishing tests within your organization to evaluate how well your employees respond to potential phishing emails. This will help you identify areas where additional training may be needed.
What to Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attack
If you or an employee suspect you’ve received a phishing email, follow these steps:
Do Not Click on Any Links or Open Attachments:
Avoid interacting with the email.
Report the Email:
Notify your IT department immediately, and flag the email as a phishing attempt. Many email systems have built-in tools for reporting suspicious emails.
Delete the Email:
After reporting, delete the email from your inbox.
Change Passwords:
If you’ve accidentally clicked on a link or provided information, immediately change your passwords and implement multi-factor authentication.
Stay Safe This Coming Fall
It is crucial to remain proactive in defending your business. By partnering your business with Tech by Dale, we can take over training your employees, implement advanced security measures, and keep you aware of the latest phishing tactics. You can now safeguard your business from becoming a victim this coming fall Reach out to Tech by Dale if you think we can help keep you protected. (724) 249-6299 | contact@techbydale.com