Potential data breaches are increasingly problematic for organizations, with phishing attacks being one of the most common ways data is stolen. Currently, phishing attacks are among the most pervasive threats on the Internet, and understanding them is essential to thwart their effectiveness against your users. Let’s explore what exactly a phishing attack consists of and some best practices you can implement to defend your network against them.
What is a Phishing Attack?
Phishing is an attack method where scammers attempt to trick you into revealing important information by posing as a trustworthy source. This involves someone trying to obtain passwords through deception. Scammers often impersonate individuals or organizations you can trust, using deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate, such as those from banks or well-known companies. The aim is to “phish” for your information to use it for malicious purposes, like identity theft or financial fraud.
Four Practices to Help Protect Your Network
Here are a few strategies to prevent phishing attacks from infiltrating your network:
- Be cautious with links and attachments – Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing emails often disguise malicious links to appear legitimate. Hover over a link to verify the URL before clicking.
- Verify the sender’s identity – Double-check the sender’s email address, especially for unexpected messages or requests for sensitive information. Phishers often use addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones but contain slight differences.
- Look for signs of phishing – Be wary of generic greetings, spelling or grammar mistakes, and urgent requests for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies typically address you by name and do not pressure you for immediate action.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication – Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. Even if a phisher obtains your password, MFA can effectively slow down or completely prevent unauthorized access.
To safeguard your business, it’s crucial to understand phishing and take steps to avoid becoming a victim. Consider creating a comprehensive training program focused on simulated phishing attacks to raise awareness among employees who may not have a naturally security-minded approach.
If you’d like to learn more about actions you can take to mitigate the risk of the numerous phishing attacks targeting you and your employees, contact our team of experts at (973) 882-4644.