7 Effective Phishing Prevention Techniques for Businesses
To help businesses fortify their defenses against phishing attacks, we’ve gathered seven practical techniques from experts in the field, including a Senior Information Security Manager and a Director of Information Technology. From implementing a multi-layered defense strategy to fostering a security-conscious culture, these insights offer a comprehensive guide to protecting your company’s sensitive information.
- Implement a Multi-Layered Defense Strategy
- Train Employees to Recognize Phishing
- Boost Staff Awareness
- Adopt Proactive Account Security Measures
- Combine Training, Filters, and Authentication
- Conduct Simulated Phishing Attacks
- Foster a Security-Conscious Culture
Implement a Multi-Layered Defense Strategy
It’s important to note that, contrary to what vendors promise, there’s no way to stop phishing attacks. What can be done is to make the organization resilient against inevitable phishing attacks. Understanding that you can’t rely on a single protection mechanism is critical. Instead, you must have defense-in-depth.
At the technical end, a secure email gateway at the perimeter and anti-malware software at the endpoint are good starts. For end-users, ensure the security awareness training includes modules on social engineering and dealing with phishing.
Finally, system administrators, who are prime targets for phishing attacks, should require multi-factor authentication in addition to other advanced security techniques based on the specific risks.
Ben Rothke
Senior Information Security Manager, Tapad
Train Employees to Recognize Phishing
One practical technique a company can employ to prevent phishing attacks and protect sensitive information is training employees to recognize phishing communications.
Although not uniform across the board, certain patterns tend to occur in phishing emails, such as the writer trying to create a sense of urgency or panic, posing as someone the recipient knows or a trusted organization, and asking for personal information such as a Social Security number or bank account information.
By learning how to respond upon receiving a communication like this, employees will become your first line of defense against phishing.
Brad Willman
Director of Information Technology, Sentient Digital, Inc.
Boost Staff Awareness with Training
Let’s keep this real simple. Most cybersecurity breaches are via people, and they happen because criminals manage to get to the people, no matter how much you protect them with technology. People are tricked into giving away information, tricked into clicking links that take them to fake websites, or websites that will try to hack their computer.
So sure, try to protect them with technology, but when the criminals do get to them, they must know what to look out for and how to deal with it.
So, what’s the one best thing you can do to prevent phishing attacks? Use your staff! Give them cybersecurity awareness training, and continue to keep them informed and suspicious, because they will forget over time.
The key is to ensure the training is fun, engaging, simple, and quick. If people don’t learn, they won’t change their behavior, and they will continue to be tricked.
Mike Ouwerkerk
Fun, Engaging Cyber Security Awareness Trainer and Cultural Transformation Consultant, Web Safe Staff
Adopt Proactive Account Security Measures
At FlyNumber, we’ve learned that vigilance is key to preventing phishing attacks and protecting sensitive information. One practical technique we’ve adopted over my 13 years running the business is a proactive approach to account security. We monitor for hints of suspicious activity, such as unusual login patterns or unfamiliar locations, and lock the account if something seems off.
This immediate response acts as a barrier, stopping potential attackers in their tracks and safeguarding our users’ data. The affected user is promptly notified, and we guide them through the necessary steps to verify their identity and secure their account.
Nader Jaber
Founder, FlyNumber
Combine Training, Filters, and Authentication
One practical technique is to provide regular training to employees about phishing. Teach them how to recognize suspicious emails, links, and attachments. Encourage them to double-check before clicking on anything unfamiliar.
Also, use email filters to catch potential phishing messages before they reach inboxes. Additionally, implement two-factor authentication for accounts, which adds an extra layer of security. Stay vigilant and keep updating security measures as threats evolve.
Jay Toy
General Manager, 88stacks
Conduct Simulated Phishing Attacks
Implement simulated phishing attacks on employees to assess their awareness and response.
By experiencing real-world scenarios, employees learn to identify and avoid phishing tactics. This builds a stronger defense against attacks and protects sensitive information. Regular simulations and targeted training help employees stay vigilant, reducing the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.
Ben Lau
Founder, Featured SEO Company
Foster a Security-Conscious Culture
Promote a security-conscious mindset among employees and create a culture that prioritizes data protection. Encourage vigilance, responsible behavior, and communication regarding potential threats. Provide training sessions, awareness campaigns, and incentives for proactive security actions.
Reward employees for reporting suspicious activities, fostering an environment where everyone contributes to preventing phishing attacks. For example, conduct regular security awareness training, highlighting real-life phishing attempts and teaching employees how to identify and report such attacks.
Yoana Wong
Co-Founder, Secret Florists
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