Phishing scams: Protecting yourself and your business this festive season
As Christmas approaches, cybercriminals ramp up phishing scams, preying on individuals and businesses alike. A recent campaign has targeted Netflix users across 23 countries, using SMS messages claiming “payment issues” to lure victims to fake websites designed to steal credentials and payment details.
These scams are not new. Over recent years, many have impersonated Royal Mail, sending fraudulent messages about undeliverable parcels or asking for small payments to release goods. These scams thrive during the festive season when people are expecting deliveries, creating a false sense of urgency that leads to mistakes.
Why businesses are also at risk
Phishing tactics used to target individuals are equally effective in breaching business systems. By exploiting human error—through seemingly innocuous emails or messages—cybercriminals can gain access to sensitive information or even secure a foothold in your IT infrastructure. Business email compromise, which often involves impersonating trusted colleagues or clients, is one of the most lucrative phishing tactics.
Steps to protect your organisation:
Cybersecurity awareness training
Training your staff is the cornerstone of defence. Effective training should cover:
- Spotting suspicious emails, such as unexpected requests or unusual URLs,
- Understanding the psychology of phishing, including urgency and authority tactics,
- The importance of reporting potential phishing attempts immediately.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA is an essential safeguard, ensuring that even if login credentials are stolen, attackers cannot easily access systems without secondary verification.
Email filtering and monitoring
Investing in tools that automatically detect and quarantine phishing attempts before they reach employees can significantly reduce risks.
Simulated phishing campaigns
Regular tests help to evaluate employee awareness and identify areas for improvement, reinforcing good practices.
A clear incident response plan
In the event of a phishing attack, an established plan allows your team to act swiftly and mitigate potential damage.
How Shoothill IT can help
Shoothill IT provides bespoke cybersecurity solutions tailored to your business’s needs, including:
- Comprehensive training for your team, ensuring they can identify and avoid phishing threats.
- Cutting-edge security tools to monitor communications and filter out phishing attempts.
- Expert guidance on developing policies and incident response strategies.
As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, investing in robust cybersecurity measures is no longer optional. Shoothill can provide phishing and security awareness for your staff as part of our cybersecurity service. To learn more contact Mike Davis, Shoothill’s Head of IT Services or speak with the team:
☎ 01743 636300