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How to protect your business against phishing scams

Phishing is a form of online identity theft that has grown in popularity by hackers over recent years. It primarily affects home internet users, however a number of users have found themselves a victim at work, simply because they didn’t expect to see it within the confines of the office. Here’s how you can protect yourself, your colleagues and your business from phishing scams.

Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of cybercrime. In fact, it is now so widespread that it is commonly believed to be the most common form of cybercrime. It makes use of false emails and fraudulent websites in an attempt to steal a person (or professional’s) personal information. This often includes debit/credit card information and passwords.

For businesses, passwords are all the more valuable. When it comes to IT infrastructure security, information held by humans is often the weakest link, and what results in the majority of cyber attacks. Therefore, for business users, avoiding phishing scams is all the more important.

Clearly one of the most important ways to avoid phishing within a business is with high quality security rules and regulations. Be sure that these are always properly explained to new team members. Alongside this, be sure you have the finest security solutions possible installed across your systems.

Here are some of the things you should educate your team about phishing scams in order to protect your business:

Know how phishing emails work

Phishing scams occur from links in emails that appear to come from trusted sites, and often they link through to sites that mimic the actual site. Ensure your team know to be wary of anything that requests personal or business information, especially that which is financial or requires a password. Phishing commonly uses scare tactics. Luckily within a business setting individuals will usually report this kind of email.

Never click links you are uncertain about

Bad links within phishing emails can result in attacks of your IT infrastructure. While you should have the best possible security linked to your business email provider, some can get through. Be sure to let team members know that they should never click links just because they are curious.

Report all dodgy looking emails to an IT admin

Having a reporting policy in place for any phishing email attempts is the best possible way to ensure education and awareness across the whole of your business. If you don’t already have a policy in place, create one and be sure to communicate it to everybody.

The best person to deal with phishing emails is an IT admin. They should be able to report the email to any web service provider that you use, and also educate your team about the attempt.

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