Basic tips to keep your company safe from phishing

A prevalent pest on work PCs across the UK, phishing emails turn up in inboxes to try and trick workers. These malicious messages are more than an annoyance, and when well-designed, can fool firms into downloading malware and parting with sensitive data.

Here we look at some advice to avoid the pitfalls of these digital scams.

Exercise caution

There are signs to search for that can indicate whether you should be proceeding with caution.

Does the email use a generic greeting but use your full name – for instance, “Hello John Brown”?

Official companies use branding in emails, so look for strange designs and incorrect logos. Malware and attempts to steal credentials are delivered via downloadable attachments and web links, so be wary of such inclusions.

False urgency and promises

When people panic, they don’t always think straight. Cybercriminals understand this and tailor phishing emails with a false sense of urgency.

Double check any urgent notifications that you are late paying or have forgotten to provide details for before you act.

Online scammers also make false promises like claims of lottery wins, cash in return for favours and unsolicited business deals. Investigate authenticity before accepting any offers.

Personal data

Finally, a demand for personally identifiable information (PII) is a sure sign of a scam. The Government, banks and registered companies providing services do not request personal and financial data via email, so disregard these messages as phishing.

At 127 Solutions, we offer built-for-purpose cybersecurity solutions to keep companies safe from cybercrime. Discuss your concerns with our expert team today.