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Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent cyber security threats that small to medium businesses could face. Businesses should implement technical measures to protect against these attacks. For businesses wishing to do so, Knowall IT can assist you with the prevention of successful phishing attacks. Curbing successful phishing attempts requires a combination of end-user vigilance, understanding, recognition of attempted phishing activities and then the application of good security practices. Numerous security methods are employed by Knowall IT to curb phishing which protects clients from succumbing to these attacks, such as utilising anti-phishing software, applying email and web filters, using two-factor authentication and educating users on what phishing is and how to identify potential threats.

Phishing is a category of cyber-attack (meaning via computers, digital communications and online interaction) where attackers use deceptive strategies to deceive individuals into revealing personal or private information, which includes their usernames and passwords, credit card details, or any other vital, personal information. The attackers will typically present themselves and being trustworthy or stemming from a recognisable entity that the individual will be familiar with, thereby causing them to automatically trust the source of the initial correspondence or connection. Phishers can introduce themselves as representing a reputable company, a financial institution and even a government agency, to gain the trust of the potential victim and convince them to divulge their personal information.

Phishing attempts can arise through numerous communication methods from email and text messages to instant messaging and phone calls. Phishers are people who are focused on doing whatever they can to con other people who have a lack of awareness, employing fear based tactics, ploys to pull on the heart-strings and scare tactics to elicit the reaction they desire which is usually to entice money out of the person, business or take control of information belong to a person or business, for ransom.

Because successful phishing has the potential for resulting in financial losses and data breaches, it is vital for businesses, no matter their size, to ensure that their employees are sufficiently trained in identifying possible scams and how to protect themselves and their company from phishing attacks. Employee Phishing Training is one an important shield that businesses can utilise to protect themselves against phishing attacks. Educating employees on the basics of phishing, will better prepare them to recognise potential threats and avoid possible scams.

Knowall IT provides Phishing Training for business and their employees which covers topics such as how to recognise phishing emails, how to report suspicious emails, and how to protect their personal and company data. As well as training staff, Phishing Training programs include bespoke simulations, designed to test employee’s application of the training in the workplace, further assisting businesses to identify areas of risk and to keep employees mindful that attacks can come from anywhere, at any time and that an on-going aware approach to potential threats is vital in the combat against cyber phishing. Neither business or their employees should become complacent as cyber attackers become more ingenious and devious with their endeavour to gain access to information which will benefit them financially.