What you don’t know about cybersecurity can put your business at risk

Phishing attacks are one of the most effective tools for cybercriminals because they rely on human input to execute. A recent Pew Research Center study uncovered that most Americans lack knowledge of important cybersecurity concepts. Meanwhile, cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. Often hackers will tailor attacks to seem like they’re coming from a trusted source such as Google, Microsoft, fellow colleagues, or even company management.  Individual users are on the frontlines of these threats, which is why security awareness training and layered defenses are crucial. Businesses also need to ensure that software updates and security patches are applied so that attacks that rely on known vulnerabilities are avoided. 

Why the battle is being lost against phishing attacks 

Although the survey by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of participants didn’t understand core security concepts, phishing scams were the most familiar to respondents. 67 percent correctly stated that phishing can happen in emails, websites, social media, and text messages.  So why is the battle being lost against phishing attacks? Phishing is one of the greatest threats to users and companies because hackers are always testing out new and creative ways to get sensitive financial information. 

How to keep your business safe against intrusion

Even when precautions are taken, some types of phishing attacks are perfectly reproduced to look like a legitimate login prompt or browser window.  So, mistakes can happen even if your company has effective training in place.  This is when layered defenses can step in to provide additional security. For example, enabling two-factor authentication can help prevent hackers from accessing your online accounts even if they manage to get your credentials. And tools like those offered in Paubox Email Suite Plus can stop malicious emails from reaching users from the start, avoiding the human aspect that cyberattacks rely on.  

Conclusion

The incredible amount of emails sent every day makes phishing attacks irresistible to cybercriminals. And with these scams spreading to social media, text messages, and other forms of online interactions it can feel overwhelming to combat. But you can ensure your business doesn’t become a victim with the right training and tools.