What is a phishing attack and how can you protect yourself from it?

After reading this article, you will be able to better understand:

• What a phishing attack is and how it works
• The different types of phishing
• The Motives Behind Phishing
• Implications for SMEs
• How to protect yourself from phishing

Phishing is like fishing

Phishing is one of the oldest and most documented cyberattacks. It takes its name from the English word "fishing," which means to fish, and has been translated into French as "hameçonnage," due to the hooks used to catch fish.

In phishing, the user is the fish, and the cybercriminal is the fisherman. The cybercriminal uses various means to trick the user into committing an act that will allow them to transmit valuable confidential information or download malware.

This method is extremely widespread in the professional world. Did you know that 97% of people are unable to identify a sophisticated phishing email? This is why employee training is so important. Learn about essential security practices to protect your organization.

How does a phishing attack work?

The cybercriminal sends an email to a large number of users. The email appears to come from a trusted source, such as a bank, government agency, or well-known company. The message typically creates a sense of urgency, asking the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment.

Once the user clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, they are redirected to a fake website that looks identical to the legitimate one. The user is then asked to enter their login credentials, credit card information, or other sensitive data.

The cybercriminal now has access to this information and can use it for fraudulent purposes. They may also install malware on the user's device, giving them access to even more data. Implementing endpoint protection can help prevent these attacks.

Types of phishing attacks

There are several types of phishing attacks, each with its own characteristics:

• Email phishing: The most common type, where attackers send fraudulent emails to large groups of people
• Spear phishing: Targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations
• Whaling: Attacks targeting high-profile individuals like CEOs or executives
• Smishing: Phishing via SMS text messages
• Vishing: Voice phishing conducted over the phone

How to protect yourself from phishing

Protecting yourself from phishing requires a combination of technology and awareness:

1. Train your employees: Regular training sessions can help employees recognize phishing attempts
2. Use email filters: Advanced email filtering can block many phishing emails before they reach users
3. Enable multi-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security even if credentials are compromised
4. Keep software updated: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities
5. Verify suspicious requests: Always verify unusual requests through a separate communication channel

If you're looking for comprehensive IT security support, consider working with a managed IT service provider who can implement these protections for you.

Nexxo can help protect you from phishing attacks

With extensive experience in cybersecurity for Quebec businesses, Nexxo can help you implement comprehensive anti-phishing measures. Contact us today for a free consultation.