PHISHING SCAMS: AN ALARMING THREAT
5/1/25
WHAT IS PHISHING?
Phishing scams are one of the easiest forms of cyber attacks for criminals to carry out. And an alarming number of businesses fall prey every year.
Most popularly, these scams use fake websites that convince the recipient to hand over personal financial information or passwords. Other attacks involve installing malware on a device after an illegitimate link is clicked.
THE COST OF PHISHING SCAMS:
- RiskIQ reports that
$17,700 is lost every minute because of phishing attacks.
- Phishing attacks cause 82% of reported security breaches, according to
CSO Online.
- According to a CNBC report, on average, a cyber attack costs $200,000. Of the small businesses who fall victim to an attack, 60% go out of business within six months.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE PHISHING?
Attached is a real-world example of a clever phishing email. Highlighted are clues that this email is illegitimate.
Education is the number one way to protect your business from a potentially catastrophic phishing scheme.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- NEVER open a link directly from an email. If you need to check on a bank account, credit card, or any other personal information, go directly to the website. Clicking illegitimate links often take you to a website that appears correct, prompting you to enter personal password information.
- Watch out for a sense of urgency. Emails telling you to “act now or your account will be closed” use urgency as a scare tactic. This approach feeds on our fear of consequences if we don’t “act now.”
- Always check the URL and email address of the sender. In the example attached, the email address and URL of the sender claiming to be SunTrust bank is not a legitimate address.
- Do not open file attachments. Upon clicking, these attachments can install malware on your device.
- Protect your data holistically. Secure private cloud solutions like Reliance Desktop ensure that you never lose your data—even if you do become the victim of malware or a phishing attack.
Clever copywriting and imagery make phishing emails harder to identify. Training employees to follow these steps is critical to your security.
Photo by: Brett Jordan
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In today's digital landscape, businesses in Jacksonville, Florida, face an ever-growing array of cyber threats that can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative. Reliance Desktop stands out as a trusted partner, offering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to protect your business from evolving cyber risks. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions Reliance Desktop provides a suite of cybersecurity services designed to fortify your IT infrastructure: Firewall Setup and Monitoring : Implementing and overseeing firewalls to block unauthorized access and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. Encryption Implementation : Securing sensitive data through advanced encryption techniques, ensuring that information remains confidential both in transit and at rest. Identity and Access Management : Establishing strict access controls and authentication protocols to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Intrusion Detection and Prevention : Deploying systems that detect and respond to potential security breaches in real-time, minimizing potential damage. Regular Security Assessments : Conducting thorough evaluations to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary safeguards proactively. Empowering Employees with Cybersecurity Awareness Recognizing that human error can be a significant security vulnerability, Reliance Desktop emphasizes employee education: Phishing Awareness Training : Educating staff on recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, a common method used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access. Safe Remote Work Practices : Providing guidelines for secure remote work, ensuring that employees maintain cybersecurity protocols outside the traditional office environment. Proactive Threat Monitoring and Incident Response With 24/7 monitoring services, Reliance Desktop ensures that any unusual activity is promptly detected and addressed: Real-Time Threat Detection : Utilizing advanced tools to continuously monitor networks for signs of cyber threats. Swift Incident Response : In the event of a security breach, a dedicated team responds immediately to contain and mitigate the impact, ensuring minimal disruption. Customized Solutions for Diverse Industries Understanding that each industry has unique cybersecurity requirements, Reliance Desktop offers tailored solutions: Compliance with Industry Standards : Assisting businesses in adhering to regulations such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR, ensuring that all security measures meet the necessary compliance standards. Sector-Specific Security Measures : Developing and implementing security strategies that address the specific challenges and threats faced by different industries.
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