Understanding and Mitigating Phishing Attacks in the Workplace
Phishing attacks are a serious threat to individuals and businesses alike. These attacks are designed to trick people into giving away sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data. Once this information is obtained, it can be used to steal identities, commit fraud, and cause other serious problems. You can learn more specifics about phishing in our Online Threats 101 – What is “Phishing” blog. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself from phishing attacks. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the best ways to prevent phishing attacks.
Utilize Tools to Prevent Phishing Attacks
Anti-phishing software
One of the best ways to prevent phishing attacks is to use anti-phishing software. There are several options available that can help protect you from these types of attacks. For example, many web browsers have built-in anti-phishing features that warn you when visiting a known phishing site. Additionally, there are standalone anti-phishing tools that you can install on your computer or mobile device, like those offered by American Lazer CommSat, that provide more expansive anti-phishing features.
Email filters
Email filters can be used to automatically detect and flag suspicious messages that could be phishing attempts. Some email providers, such as Gmail and Microsoft Outlook, have built-in filters to identify and move phishing emails to a separate folder or mark them as spam.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. This can prevent attackers from accessing your accounts even if they have your password.
Password managers
Password managers can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This can prevent attackers from using the same password across multiple accounts if one is compromised in a phishing attack. Some secure password managers are:
Security awareness training
Security awareness training can help educate employees and individuals about the risks of phishing attacks and how to identify and prevent them. This can include training on how to recognize suspicious emails and links, as well as best practices for password management and software updates.
Finally, education is key to preventing phishing attacks. Make sure you and your employees understand the risks of phishing and how to identify and prevent these attacks. This includes training on how to recognize suspicious emails and links, as well as best practices for password management and software updates.
Be wary of suspicious emails and links
Phishing attacks often begin with an email or message that looks legitimate but is actually fake. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, particularly those that ask you to provide sensitive information. Never click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources. If you’re unsure if an email is legitimate, contact the sender directly to verify its authenticity.
Keep your software up to date
Software vulnerabilities are often exploited by attackers to gain access to your system. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your software up to date with the latest security patches. This includes not just your operating system, but also your web browser, email client, and any other software you use regularly.
Educate yourself and your employees
Finally, education is key to preventing phishing attacks. Ensure you and your employees understand the risks of phishing and how to identify and prevent these attacks. This includes training on how to recognize suspicious emails and links, as well as best practices for password management and software updates.
Contact American Lazer CommSat for Phishing Prevention Solutions
Managed IT service providers like American Lazer CommSat know how to guide you toward the right network security solution. Our IT team is equipped with industry-standard tools and years of cyber defense knowledge, and they’re prepared to assist in thwarting breach attempts before they gain access to crucial data.
Learn more about our tools to prevent phishing attacks here or email one of our experts at [email protected].
