As we noted earlier, phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats in the modern world since scammers always aim at deceiving users. These attacks may culminate in loss-making, identity theft, and breach of data. Lucky for us, there are ways to counter phishing and even protect yourself in cases where you might have fallen for it. That’s where this article comes in and here is how to protect yourself as well as your organization from these online dangers.
1. Use the Best Spam Filter for Office 365
A strong line of defense against phishing is implementing a reliable spam filter. The best spam filter for Office 365 can help block suspicious emails before they reach your inbox, reducing the chances of falling victim to a phishing attack. This type of filter uses machine learning and advanced algorithms to detect phishing indicators in email content, sender addresses, and embedded links. Keeping the spam filter up-to-date ensures optimal protection.
2. Train Employees to Recognize Phishing Attempts
Training is a must-do when it comes to the prevention of phishing. Lures are created to resemble extremely legitimate forms, the most common of which include messages from the ‘IT department’ or the company’s ‘HR department’. Organize awareness sessions more often to sensitize employees on how to identify phishing emails such as those with; urgent, miss spelled words or unsolicited attachments. Another example of the testing of staff awareness is the use of simulated phishing exercises as well.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication helps us make it more difficult to get access to a specific account because they use something more than a simple password. By requiring another factor of authentication if, for instance, an attacker obtains the login credentials he or she cannot gain full access because a text code is requested or fingerprint scan. Implement MFA for all high-risk accounts encompassing e-mail, financial, and data management.
4. Regularly Update Security Software and Systems
Malware, viruses, Trojans, worms, FTP, phishing attacks, etc., are easily exploitable with outdated software. Make sure that your security software, both anti-virus, Firewalls, and spam filters are up to date. In some of these updates, new developments may include a fix for a hole that has the potential to be exploited by the attackers. This reduces the likelihood of a so successful phishing attack because your systems are always updated.
5. Verify the Source of Emails and Messages
Phishing emails are generally in the form of a message pretending to be from a well-known company. Never, I repeat, never open links or downloads without checking the originating websites. Carefully scrutinize the sender’s email and look out for discrepancies and mismatches of the address with actual correspondence details. Whenever uncertain about the authenticity of a received email, the best course of action is to contact the sender independent of the phone numbers and addresses given on the Website of the organization in which the email originated.
6. Limit the Sharing of Personal and Financial Information Online
This means that the more content you create and post on the web, the easier it is for attackers to fine-tune their messages and better redirect people to fraud sites. When inputting personal information, do not post your email address, phone number, or your financial information online. It is also important not to post this information on social media, or any website that may not have a secure access point to the information.
7. Implement Incident Response Procedures
However, always being prepared for such an outcome is necessary if a given attack is successful. Create an incident management plan highlighting actions to mitigate the impact, like suspending those accounts, informing everyone about the incident, and conducting a security check to look for data compromises. If clients have the answer in place, then the threat and the time that would be taken for the organization to bounce back to its normal position would be greatly reduced.
Conclusion
To avoid getting into the phishing attacks taking place and to minimize the impacts that are caused by these attacks, appropriate measures in advance must be taken. When choosing the best spam flixier for Office 365 observing user awareness measures, incorporating multi-factor authentication, and updating systems, then the chances of being taken by a phishing attack are reduced. One should never assume that an email received was genuine and it’s best to refrain from divulging too much information to would-be intruders.
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