Phishing Scams
Have you ever wondered how many phishing scams your employees encounter each day? The answer might be a nasty surprise.
Last year, the number of employees clicking on phishing links TRIPLED – and businesses everywhere are paying the price.
Before diving into this situation a little more, let’s rewind.
Phishing is when scammers pretend to be a trusted source to steal sensitive information (like passwords or payment details).
Maybe your employee gets an email that looks like it’s from Microsoft, with a link to a login page. Once your employee enters their details, that information falls into the hands of criminals, who then get the keys to your business.
Here’s the worrying part: Phishing attacks aren’t just happening more often; they’re getting harder to spot.
Email phishing is still a big issue, but scammers are branching out, planting fake links in search engines, social media, online ads, and website comments. Scammers know that employees are taught to be cautious about emails, so they’re finding new ways to slip through the cracks.
So, why are more people falling for these scams?
Part of the problem is fatigue. Employees see so many phishing attempts in their inboxes that it’s challenging to keep their guard up every minute of the day. Scammers are also getting more creative, using fake websites and emails that are almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing.
And they’re now targeting trusted platforms like Microsoft 365, which hold a goldmine of business data.
Your people can be your most excellent defense or your most significant vulnerability. A well-trained, alert team can spot phishing attempts before damage is done. But if they’re unaware or unprepared, a single click can open the door to financial losses, stolen data, and a whole world of trouble for your business.
So, what’s the solution?
Start with education. Ensure your team knows what phishing looks like in emails and on the web. Teach them to question unexpected requests for their login details, double-check links, and report anything suspicious. Don’t rely on memory alone; regular training sessions can keep the risk of phishing scams fresh in your employees’ minds.
At the same time, don’t leave all the responsibility on your team’s shoulders. Tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of security, so attackers can’t get in even if a password gets stolen. Combine this with up-to-date software and a strong cyber security plan, and you have a better chance of keeping your business safe.
Phishing scams will not disappear soon, but with the right approach, you can prevent your business from becoming another statistic.