7 Tips For Preventing Phishing Attacks

The internet is host to all kinds of sensitive information. As the risks of phishing attacks increase, businesses need to prepare. A security breach can mean irreparable damage to your data and reputation. Knowing the different kinds of phishing attacks and how to prevent them is vital to your organization’s ongoing security. The Southshore Managed IT Group works with small to medium-sized businesses to help them develop custom security strategies. We offer 7 expert tips for keeping your organization safe from phishing attacks. 

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a strategy that scammers use to gather personal information from others. They use emails or other personal messaging to induce companies and individuals to reveal sensitive data, such as social security numbers or credit card information. Sometimes, the emails will contain a file that infects the other person’s device with malware. The emails are often disguised to look trustworthy, so unsuspecting people might think they are authentic. 

How to Prevent a Phishing Attack

As your managed IT service provider, we keep a watchful eye on your data’s security at all times. We use a multifaceted approach to minimize the risk of your company falling victim to a phishing scam: 

• Monitor the Security Landscape. Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Keeping up with publications and industry communities that share information on related topics allows you to stay ahead of the risks by being aware of the latest dangers.  

• Updating Software. This is a simple yet commonly overlooked step in preventing phishing emails. Regular updates provide bug fixes so that your software isn’t prone to security risks. Our team will complete software updates for you.

• Restricting Team Access to Sensitive Data. Given that 95% of cyberattacks result from human error, it’s important to make sure you limit who in your organization has access to your sensitive data. Limit who knows such information so they cannot unknowingly provide it to a scammer.

• Regular Cybersecurity Audits. In the unfortunate event that a phishing scam is successful, the amount of damage the scammer can do depends on the client’s current cybersecurity protocols. Regular testing and audits is an effective way to confirm that the client’s network is secure. For example, penetration testing discerns how easy it would be for a hacker to overtake your system using the methods that can be used to get in. 

• Recognize the Signs of Phishing. Knowing the signs of phishing allows you to act carefully when you believe you may have received a suspicious email. 

• Create a Security Program. Build a security policy that tells your team what to do if they receive a phishing email. The policy should state who needs to be contacted in the case that a phishing scam is spotted, provide training materials to refresh their knowledge on security and outline appropriate device use. 
• Monitor Consistently. You might believe everything is fine once your team is trained and you have security measures in place. But cybersecurity isn’t something you can set up once and forget about. As cybersecurity threats continue to change, you need to optimize your IT infrastructure to prevent these attacks. 

Partner With a Skilled Managed IT Service Provider

Phishing scams are just one of the many cybersecurity threats your organization faces, meaning you need an in-depth plan to protect your information. The Southshore Managed IT Group has your back. Call today to learn how we can keep your data safe.