Arm your employees against phishing

Read these simple tips to protect your business from cybercrime

As a business, it can be challenging to keep your cybersecurity systems up to date as fraudsters and thieves quickly adapt and exploit new protection methods.

Of the many malicious attempts, phishing is one of the most dangerous and most common threats, since it preys on human error.

It involves a cyber-criminal sending an automated email or message to a large number of recipients, disguised as:

• a trusted person or institution 
• a colleague asking for sensitive information such as bank account number, ID card number and passwords
• a seemingly trustworthy link

After clicking the link, the cyber-criminal can search for information and use it to steal money or blackmail the individual.

‘Spear Fishing’ messages are more targeted and customised, with the cyber-criminal pretending to be a close relative, friend or partner. These are usually delivered via email, social media or dating sites.

As remote working increases, more and more of us are using our personal mobiles for work, which has led to a rise in phishing attacks. In fact, the number of mobile phishing attacks has increased by 37% from Q4 2019 to Q1 2020

That’s why it’s important to educate your employees about the possible threats so they can recognise an attack when it happens.

There are five common types of mobile phishing attacks:

1. URL padding: when the real destination of the website is hidden by hyphens, leaving only the seemingly legitimate site visible.