Small businesses must prioritize preventing phishing attacks because, while you may not stop it entirely, it’s one of the biggest security risks whether you have an eCommerce site or a brick-and-mortar store with an online presence. To stay ahead of sophisticated attacks, it’s crucial to understand what you can do, stay updated on the latest scams, and know about common tactics like phishing emails. If you’re asking “What is cybersecurity?” then this is a good place to start.
Phishing attacks trick individuals into giving away sensitive information like passwords and financial details through fake messages. A startling 85% of data breaches involve human elements. Phishing emails often come with malicious attachments containing harmful code.
Phishing scams typically use various tactics, such as suspicious hyperlinks, exaggerated offers, or fake prizes, to deceive victims. Business email compromises and fake invoices are common too.
Some notorious phishing attacks include:
1. **Sony Pictures**: Hackers pretended to be colleagues and sent malware-infected emails, stealing customer and financial data, costing over $100 million.
2. **Facebook and Google**: A hacker posed as a vendor and sent fake invoices, leading to payments exceeding $100 million.
3. **Crelan Bank**: A phishing attack cost this Belgian bank approximately $75.8 million through a business email scam.
Even the World Health Organization has warned about phishing emails exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to spread malware.
While you can’t eliminate phishing, there are preventive measures you can take:
1. **Ignore Pop-Ups**: Use ad blockers to avoid scam ads seeking sensitive information.
2. **Stay Updated**: Regular software and browser updates protect against common phishing techniques.
3. **Be Cautious with Links**: Hover over links to check their destinations before clicking, especially in emails from unfamiliar sources.
4. **Monitor Internet Accounts**: Regularly change passwords and scrutinize your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
5. **Use Firewalls**: High-quality firewalls act as a buffer against potential threats.
6. **Protect Personal Information**: Avoid sharing sensitive information online and ensure websites are secure (beginning with “HTTPS”).
7. **Use Antivirus Software**: Choose software that prevents data theft and keeps the program up-to-date to detect phishing attempts.
8. **Install a Toolbar**: Anti-phishing toolbars in browsers alert you to fraudulent websites.
Recognizing phishing emails and sites is the first step in security:
– **Suspicious Email Requests**: Emails asking you to update information via a link.
– **Grammar and Domain Issues**: Malicious sites often have poor grammar or mismatched email domains.
– **Check Internet Reviews**: Websites with negative reviews are likely to be scams.
– **Safe Payment Options**: Legitimate sites use trusted payment methods like PayPal.
– **Content Quality**: Legitimate sites usually have well-written content; broken English can be a red flag.
Phishing protection involves safeguarding your accounts using spam filters, two-factor authentication, and staying aware of current trends, such as emails with subjects like “Keep Same Password.” Joining anti-phishing groups and using protective software further help secure your data.
For effective phishing prevention, educate employees with security awareness training, including simulations. Partner with companies that report and block phishing attempts and stay updated with the latest security measures.
