How to Prevent Phishing Attacks

With 3.4 billion emails being targeted by phishing attacks daily, how can your company protect itself and avoid becoming the next victim of cybercriminals’ malicious actions?

Imagine a situation where a fisherman tries to catch his prey with a shiny, tempting lure. Well, cybercriminals are like those fishermen, but instead of fish, they seek to obtain your confidential information.

According to Getastra, in 2022, phishing attacks occurred every 11 seconds, with estimates suggesting this number would be even lower this year.

In this article, we will guide you through the key concepts so you can understand what phishing is, how cybercriminals use it, and most importantly, some effective prevention strategies to keep your company’s data safe.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to deceive you and obtain confidential information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or corporate data. These attacks can come through fake emails, text messages, or even fraudulent phone calls.

In fact, according to Statista, by 2024, the global cost of cybercrime could reach $9.22 trillion.

Cybersecurity is a constant challenge, but with the right strategies, you can prevent phishing attacks and protect your company effectively.

At Guiar, we are here to help, but first, it is important to understand how attackers use phishing to access your information.

How Do Attackers Use Phishing?

Cybercriminals employ various strategies to carry out phishing attacks. They typically send emails, text messages, or social media messages with malicious links that redirect to fake websites. These sites resemble legitimate ones and aim to trick users into entering confidential information, which is then stolen for illicit purposes.

Theft of Personal Information: Cybercriminals can gain access to your credentials, passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential information.
Financial Loss: If attackers gain access to your bank or financial service accounts, they can make unauthorized transactions and drain your funds.
Damage to Your Company’s Reputation: The leakage of customers’ confidential data can negatively impact your company’s image and affect its long-term reputation.
Risk of Extortion: Some attackers may use the compromised information to blackmail victims.
Loss of Productivity and Time: Recovering from a phishing attack can take significant time and resources.
Compromise of Business Accounts and Networks: If attackers infiltrate your business network through a phishing attack, they can access confidential information, infect systems with malware, or even use your infrastructure to launch additional attacks.

Currently, cybersecurity should be one of your top priorities. Did you know that you are more likely to suffer a digital attack than a physical one at your company?

In fact, according to Forbes, 83% of companies experience a phishing attack every year.

Guiar is the professional ally you need to keep your company’s digital environment secure. However, by following these five recommendations, you can start strengthening your business’s cybersecurity:

Be Cautious with Emails: Carefully verify the senders before clicking on links or opening attachments. Pay attention to grammatical or spelling errors, as attackers often make these mistakes in their fake messages.
Do Not Reveal Personal Information: Never share confidential information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, through unsolicited emails, text messages, or calls. Legitimate entities will never ask for sensitive information this way.
Keep Your Devices and Software Updated: Regularly update your operating systems, browsers, and applications with the latest security patches. This helps close potential security gaps that attackers could exploit.
Use Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
Educate Your Employees: Provide cybersecurity training to your employees so they can recognize the signs of a phishing attack and take appropriate action. Foster a security-conscious culture that promotes vigilance and reporting of potential attacks.

According to Ironscales, email phishing is the main concern for 90% of IT professionals, and it should also be for you as the head of your company.

However, by understanding the methods used by cybercriminals and applying effective prevention strategies, you can avoid falling into phishing traps and safeguard your digital assets.

At Guiar, we are your cybersecurity allies. Trust our team of experts to guide you in protecting your company against phishing attacks and other cyber risks. Don’t put your information and your company’s reputation at risk! Take action today and schedule a consultation with one of our experts.