Protecting Your Business From Phishing Attacks

Phishing involves deceitful attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by posing as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. Businesses can implement comprehensive cyber security measures and enforce staff training to protect themselves from these attacks. Here’s how you can safeguard your business from phishing attacks.

Understanding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks usually come in the form of deceptive emails, texts, or websites that appear legitimate. The goal is to deceive recipients into disclosing personal information or clicking on malicious links that can install harmful software on their devices. The consequences can be severe, including data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

Here is an example of a phishing email compared where they’ve tried to mimic Microsoft but if you look closely can see the email is incorrectly spelt, a common denominator with phishing attacks, they’ll try to get as close as possible to the original email with minor differences –

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Implementing Robust Cyber Security Measures

Email Security Solutions: Use advanced email security solutions to filter out phishing emails before they reach your employees. Tools like spam filters, anti-virus software, and email authentication protocols can significantly reduce the risk of phishing emails infiltrating your network.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors (such as verifying a code which has been sent to a mobile device), making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorised access.

Regular Software Updates and Patches: Ensure all software, including operating systems, browsers, and applications, are up to date with the latest security patches. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to launch attacks.

Endpoint Security: Deploy endpoint security solutions to protect devices connected to your network. This includes anti-malware, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems that monitor and protect against malicious activities.

Obtain Cyber Essentials Certification: This is one sure way of protecting your business, with an estimated 80% less chance of being attacked if you follow the guidelines. Read more about the reasons why it’s important in our blog here.

Training Staff to Recognise and Respond to Phishing

Training Sessions: Conduct regular cyber security training sessions for all employees. These sessions should cover the latest phishing techniques, how to recognise suspicious emails and messages, and best practices for avoiding scams.

Phishing Simulations: Conduct regular phishing simulations to test employees’ awareness and response to phishing attempts. These simulated attacks can help identify vulnerabilities and reinforce training by providing real-world scenarios.

Clear Reporting Procedures: Establish clear procedures for reporting suspected phishing attempts. Encourage employees to report any suspicious emails or activities to the IT department immediately.

Strong Password Policies: Educate employees on the importance of using strong, unique passwords and regularly updating them. Encourage the use of password managers to securely store and manage passwords.

Building a Cyber-Resilient Culture

Creating a culture of cyber security within your organisation is crucial. Leadership should emphasise the importance of cyber security and lead by example. Rewarding and recognising employees who follow best practices can also promote a positive security culture.

Protecting your business from phishing attacks requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach. By implementing cyber security measures and investing in comprehensive staff training, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams. Remember, cyber security is not just the responsibility of your IT department; it’s a collective effort that involves every member of your organisation. 

How Can Telappliant Help?

We can help in a number of ways:

Cyber Essentials Certification: We can help you become certified by auditing the cyber security within your organisation and then implementing the measures required to become certified.

Implement Cyber Security Software: Our IT team can install endpoint protection and email security software, and ensure that your systems are up to date with the latest security patches.

Simulate Phishing Attacks: We can execute a simulated attack by sending phishing emails to your existing users. By analysing the user responses, we can then report on where staff training is required.

Become your IT Provider: We provide managed IT services, from support to transformation projects, helping keep your business safe. Further information available here.