There are big security threats facing businesses right now, one being Phishing scams.

83% of organisations reported they faced negative effects from attacks in the last year.

The chance of one of your employees opening a phishing email is high at just under a third being led into the scam.

There is an increasing concern of cyber criminals using techniques from ransomware groups which are designed to panic people and to lead them into taking immediate action, and in doing so handing over login details.

You first receive an alert email informing you of suspicious activity within your account. They could mention someone trying to hack into your account from a different device in a different location and that their attempt has been blocked or restricted.

There might be a link or button asking you to verify login details, this is a worrying thought for us all.

To make this attack even more scary they have started putting countdown timers on the screen, which is set to an hour, making you rush to enter in your details to try and prevent account being deleted.

They play on emotions and use manipulative tactics designed to scare and panic.

The sense of urgency can make you forget to check if it’s real or not. Most cases, nothing will realistically happen when the timer runs out. The page you get forwarded to will be fake, even if it looks real. Criminals will then steal your details and logins to gain access into your account.

Outcomes are data theft, malware, or financial loss as well as further risks into other accounts, more so if you repeat passwords throughout your business.

Dark Web

The Dark Web sells your logins and details which can be accessed, giving more criminals the chance to access your accounts.

Basic phishing protections for your business

  1.  Check the email address they are sending from
  2. Analyse spelling and grammar
  3.  Hover over links to see website address
  4. Use password manager

It is important that as soon as you believe you have fallen for a scam to change your login information as soon as possible. Avoid clicking links in an email, instead type in the web address in browser.

Using password manager creates long and strong passwords which are randomised and impossible to guess for each account.

Password managers are also useful with autofill login boxes and can save you time and detect possible threats.

Share this blog with your team! And get in touch with us if you have any questions on keeping your business safe.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.