As more criminals turn to online scams to steal personal and company information, business leaders and employees must remain vigilant in their cybersecurity efforts. While no single cybersecurity solution can avert all phishing attacks, the following actions can minimize their frequency and severity:

  • Stay informed about phishing techniques. IT administrators should constantly monitor for new phishing scams and implement employee training accordingly. Utilizing mock phishing scenarios can help prepare employees for real attempts.
  • Examine a message before clicking. Phishing scams often contain off-kilter URLs, so inspect the web address before clicking on the website. A secure website always starts with “https.” When in doubt, go directly to the source rather than clicking a potentially dangerous link. In addition, phishing scams depend on emotional lures to attract victims, so be wary of messages that incite an emotional or fearful response.
  • Keep computer systems up to date. Security patches are released for computer systems to secure loopholes that cybercriminals inevitably discover and exploit. Download and install new software as soon as it’s available, including browser updates.
  • Never give out personal information. As a general rule, never share personal or financially sensitive information over the internet. When in doubt, go to the company’s direct webpage and call to see if the request is legitimate.
  • Use antivirus software. Implement antivirus software on all work systems to detect and prevent phishing attacks.
  • Back up data regularly. Since phishing attacks often leave behind malware, including ransomware, companies should have a robust data backup program so attacks don’t hinder the organization’s productivity.

Phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated and severe. By taking the proper precautions, organizations can minimize their damage. For additional risk management guidance and insurance solutions, contact us today.

For more information contact us at info@piamidam.org or reach out to one of our regional directors.