How to Identify a Phishing Attack

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new and creative methods to steal data and information from businesses. While spam has been around for a while, phishing emails have increased in popularity because they are more effective at achieving the desired endgame. How can you ensure that phishing scams don’t harm your business in the future?

Phishing attacks take on many different forms. Let's highlight some of the most popular ways that hackers and scammers will try to take advantage of your business via phishing scams, including phone calls, email, and social media.

Phishing Calls
Do you ever receive calls from random or restricted numbers? If you do, chances are that they are calls that you want to avoid. Hackers will use the phone to make phishing phone calls to unknowing employees. They may claim to be with IT support, and, in some instances, they may even pretend to be someone else within your office. These types of attacks can be dangerous and awkward to work around, especially if the scammer is pretending to be someone of authority within your business.

For example: someone might call your business asking about a computer model or other information about your technology. Sometimes they will be phishing for specific data or information that might be in the system, while other times they are simply looking for a way into your network. Either way, it’s imperative that your business doesn’t give in to their requests; there is no reason why anyone would ask for sensitive information over the phone. If in doubt, you should cross-check contact information to make sure that the caller is who they say they are.

Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are not as grave as phishing phone calls because you’re not being immediately pressured to make a decision. Nevertheless, this doesn’t reduce the importance of being able to identify phishing messages. You might receive tailor-made customized phishing messages with the sole intent of a specific user handing over critical information or clicking on a link/attachment. Either way, the end result is the same as a phone call phishing scam.

To shun phishing emails, you should implement a spam filter and train your employees on how to identify the revealing signs of these messages. These telltale signs include spelling errors, incorrect information, and anything that just doesn’t seem right. However, it should be noted that phishing messages have started to become more elaborate and sophisticated.

Phishing Accounts
Social media makes it very easy for cybercriminals to assume an anonymous identity and utilize it to attack you; or, even worse, the identity of someone you know. It’s nearly effortless for a hacker to pose as someone that they’re not, providing an outlet for attack that can be somewhat challenging to identify. One crucial tips is to avoid any messages that are random or come out of the blue. You can also ask questions about past interactions that tip you off that they may or may not be who they say they are.

Eventually, it all comes down to approaching any phishing attack intelligently and with a healthy dose of skepticism. To learn more about how to keep your business secure, reach out to us at Macro System at 703-359-9211.