What is Phishing?
Malicious emails that look genuine and try to trick you into providing data, spreading malware, or paying money. What are the risks? Phishing has led to massive financial losses, malware infections, and data breaches. Attackers have realized that people are the weakest link in IT security and they can exploit this through phishing. Plus new Phishing-as-a-Service malware kits make it easier than ever for cybercriminals to run phishing campaigns.
How Can I Spot a Phishing Attempt?
41% of IT Pros report at least daily Phishing attacks. Here are some helpful statistics to help you spot phishing attempts.
Remember P.H.I.S.H to spot suspicious emails!
P - Promises Is it offering unbelievable things?
H - Harassment Is it pressuring you to act?
I - Instinct Does it feel wrong?
S - Sense of Urgency Making You Rush?
H- Hit DELETE Get rid of it!
More specifically, here are some of the top-clicked phishing tests so you know what to look for:
"You appeared in a new search this week!"
"People are looking at your LinkedIn Profile"
"Please Add Me to your LinkedIn Network"
"Join my Network on LinkedIn"
"Someone just sent you a direct message on Twitter!"
"Your Friend Tagged you in photos on Facebook"
"You have a new voice message at 1:23AM"
"Login alert for Chrome on Motorola Moto X"
"Someone may have accessed your account"
"You have a new WhatsApp message"
As you can see, a lot of the top-clicked phishing tests are very difficult to distinguish from your real emails. So how can you keep you and your company’s data safe?
Here are 3 steps to avoid being a victim:
1. Education: Train your users on how to spot & avoid phishing attacks.
2. Pre-delivery: Stop phishing threats at the email gateway with a reliable network security system.
3. Post-Delivery: Secure your last line of defense: your endpoints.
Strong technology implementation is only as good as the people using it. Now is the time to test your organization and use targeted training methods to close any potential gaps.
Phishing testing and training from Matthijssen helps you ensure your best assets - your people - are also a strong part of your organization's defenses. Learn more about phishing, the serious threat it poses to businesses of all sizes in any industry, and the ways Matthijssen can help protect your company and your clients!
