Email may not be a popular communication form for millennials and younger generations, but it is still one of the most-often-used technologies in business. Collaborating, sending information and files, and working remotely are made possible with email. Email, however, is also what makes it possible to trick your employees into wiring $300,000 to a hacker in East Asia, revealing the credit card numbers of every customer who has ever shopped with you, or delivering the social security numbers of every employee in your organization. And just when you think you’ve outsmarted cybercriminals and have a handle on phishing issues, a single employee clicks on a link and invites ransomware to invade your network.
No business is immune – businesses of all sizes and in every industry have reported phishing attacks. Avoiding these attacks requires more than just telling employees to be careful; it requires ongoing training and regular reminders, combined with layered security designed to detect and thwart attacks.
Improve email security
Prevent as many phishing emails as possible from even landing in employees’ inboxes, by implementing a hosted email service. In addition, develop a sender policy framework that makes it less likely for spoofed email to work. Better email security is an essential first step in thwarting phishing attacks.
Implement layered security
Carefully layered detection and security protocols can make it much more difficult for cybercriminals to hack your database. Consider how and where your data is stored and accessed; running files from desktops, USB sticks, or external drives can leave you without a safety net. Enterprise file sync software, such as SyncedTool provides a secure way to access data from anywhere. Backups of your data should also be stored offsite and protected with a comprehensive backup and recovery (BDR) solution. In the event of an attack, a managed services provider can perform a mass revision restore to the point in time before the attack.
Train and retrain (and train them again)
The only way to prevent phishing attacks from succeeding is for every employee to be vigilant at all times. Establish policies that require wire transfer requests to be verified by phone and approved by at least two people. Have a no-tolerance policy for clicking on unverified links or opening unknown files. Provide ongoing training to your employees and reminders about phishing techniques.
Download the thinkCSC email security guide.
Email security must be a top concern for every business. Take the necessary steps to protect your organization. Minimizing your risk is easier when you align your business with a trusted managed IT service provider that partners with your organization, understands your needs, and provides customized solutions to ensure that you have the protection you need. thinkCSC is committed to helping you find the most economical solutions to meet your needs. For more information, contact us today.
