Phishing attacks on the rise 550% beware this summer 🚨
Beware of fake emails
Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle leading up to the holidays provides good working conditions for hackers. When we're busy, we click faster and think less about what we open and approve.
We're currently seeing a surge in phishing attacks - in fact, the number of reported security breaches has increased by as much as 550% compared to the same time last year.
Phishing continues to be the biggest threat to many businesses.
Hackers are trying to cheat their way to: Open attachments with malicious code.
Clicking on fake links that steal login information.
Transfer money or authorize payments based on fake emails.
3 concrete actions, which significantly improves safety:
1. Check your configuration and backup with Microsoft 365 Care
A properly set up Microsoft 365 solution can catch many attacks before they reach employees' inboxes.
Our Microsoft 365 Care reviews your setup, security policies and backup strategy - ensuring you're as protected as possible.
2. Receive cyber security training
Human error remains the biggest risk factor.
With our cybersecurity training, your employees learn how to spot attacks in time - from phishing and spoofing to social engineering.
3. Use your common sense
The technique can never Remove everything.
That's why it's crucial that we all take good security habits into our everyday lives. Use the simple tips below every time you receive an email that looks even slightly suspicious.
5 tips - for common sense:
Here are 5 concrete tips on how to use common sense in everyday life when you receive a suspicious email:
- Always check the sender thoroughly - even when the email looks completely "normal".
- Assess the message - does it sound realistic?
(Remember: Uncle George is hardly sending $1 billion. 😉) - Avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
- Always use MFA (two-factor) - e.g. an app on your phone for extra authentication.
- Backup your data before your vacation starts.
Spoofing: A special type of phishing that's getting harder to spot
One of the phishing variants we are seeing an increase in is called spoofing:
- Hackers impersonate internal colleagues.
- Emails may look like they come from your boss, colleague or supplier.
- They ask for fast payments, account information or invoice changes, for example.
Because spoofing exploits known names and internal relationships, it's particularly difficult to spot.
Extra precautions against spoofing:
- Breathe and think before you click.
- Physically walk up to the colleague and ask: "Are you the one who sent this email?"
- Call your colleague or supplier one too many times before approving transfers.
Has the damage already been done?
Stop the car. Do not touch anything. Immediately contact our Incident Response team.
Cybersecurity starts with employees
At IT Forum Gruppen, we offer: cyber security training for you and your employees. Fill out the contact form and we will get in touch with you.
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