Phishing is a type of cybercrime that attempts to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, and banking details, by masquerading as a legitimate business or organization. This is done by sending emails, text messages, or links that lead to malicious websites.
What to Look for When Identifying a Phishing Attack
When recognizing and avoiding potential phishing attempts, it is important to know what to be aware of. Phishing emails often have incorrect grammar, misspellings, and signs of urgency. The emails are typically from institutions you do not usually do business with, and often come with a link to a website that is not legitimate. Furthermore, emails that request a response to confirm account information, or to transfer funds, are a dead giveaway.
Steps to Proactively Protect Your Business From Phishing Attacks
The best defense against phishing attacks is prevention. To do this, make sure that your security software is always up-to-date. Additionally, warnings should be issued to all employees about potential phishing attacks, and they should be instructed on how to identify them. Lastly, using two-factor authentication for accounts, passwords, and other/secure activities is also a great way to be proactive against phishing.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to phishing, it’s important to remain vigilant. By paying attention to the signs of a potential attack, and proactively educating your employees, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to a phishing scheme.