Although a business may invest in cyber security tools and services such as deploying security protocols and anti-malware solutions, you may lack the time and resources to keep up with routine maintenance and monitoring all potential issues. Because both small and large businesses can become targets for cyber-criminals, it is critical to understand that cyber security is an ongoing process that should be integrated into your business operations.
Understanding phishing
In Australia, phishing is the greatest threat to individuals and businesses because it is so simple to pull off. As technology evolves, cyber-criminals adapt their phishing attacks to make malicious messages more difficult for spam filters and people to detect.
Phishing attacks exploit social engineering, so the best way to protect your business is by making sure your employees are aware these attacks exist, understand how they work, and how to respond to them appropriately.
Traditional phishing emails are sent to hundreds or even thousands of people at once, designed to trick individuals into clicking on a URL that will send them to a page where they will be asked for personal information.
Spear phishing emails are personalised and targeted. The attacker impersonates a reliable source, such as a bank, to trick them into providing sensitive information by entering their username and password into a fake website.
Combatting phishing in your business
To combat phishing vulnerabilities in your business, employees need to learn to scrutinise any emails and notifications they receive so they know how to differentiate between a fake email and a genuine one. You should also implement a phishing policy outlining the obligations and steps employees are to take in the event of a phishing attack and even make this part of your onboarding training for employees.
Random phishing tests can also highlight weaknesses in your business and raise awareness among employees. These tests create fake phishing emails and/or webpages that are then sent to employees. These simulated attacks will help your staff understand the different kinds of phishing attacks, identifying characteristics, and to avoid clicking malicious links or leaking sensitive data in fraudulent online forms.
Because phishing testing is performed in a controlled environment, you can define a baseline metric – how much of the business was effectively “phished” – then work with employees or provide training, to improve it over time.
Essential 8 cyber security compliance
Our Managed IT Services are delivered under the umbrella of The Essential 8 cyber security recommendations which were developed by the Australian Government to help protect businesses from cyber-attacks. Implementing the Essential 8 as a minimum makes it much harder for cybercriminals to compromise your systems.
We can help your business implement the Essential 8 and evaluate and train your employees to raise awareness of cybercrime, including phishing, so they know how to protect themselves, and your business.
Contact us for a free cyber Security IT Assessment. This obligation-free assessment will give you valuable insight into any security weaknesses in your IT systems which will enable you to determine how to strengthen your cyber-security.
