How Does Your Company Stay Ahead of Evolving Phishing Threats?
In an era where phishing threats are constantly evolving, we sought insights from CEOs and CTOs on how companies can stay ahead. From prioritizing regular updates and patching to layering security and training employees regularly, here are eleven expert strategies to bolster your cybersecurity preparedness.
- Prioritize Regular Updates and Patching
- Incorporate Regular Cybersecurity Seminars
- Invest in Continuous Employee Training
- Implement Continuous Phishing Awareness Training
- Enhance Proactive Threat-Hunting Capabilities
- Use Simulations and Phish-Alert Programs
- Foster Intra-Company Communication
- Build a Culture of Security Awareness
- Prioritize Cybersecurity Awareness and Training
- Adopt a Multi-Faceted Proactive Strategy
- Layer Security and Train Employees Regularly
Prioritize Regular Updates and Patching
Regular updates and patching are essential in our strategy to stay ahead of evolving phishing threats. We prioritize keeping all our software and systems updated with the latest security patches. This proactive approach helps us mitigate vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by phishing attacks. By ensuring that our software is always running the most recent versions, we close off many avenues attackers might use to infiltrate our systems.
Additionally, we maintain and consistently update our databases of known phishing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). This involves cataloging new threats as they emerge and refining our understanding of existing ones. Our security team is dedicated to staying informed about the latest developments in phishing tactics, and we leverage threat intelligence services to keep our information current. This comprehensive and up-to-date database is critical for our security measures, enabling us to recognize and defend against phishing attempts effectively.
Vlad Khorkhorov
CEO & Co-Founder, WebsitePolicies
Incorporate Regular Cybersecurity Seminars
When it comes down to it, cybersecurity is a never-ending cat-and-mouse game. Bad actors will exploit a new security loophole or a newly discovered technology flaw, and engineering teams are quickly dispatched to patch the weakness. As technology evolves, with AI being used to detect anomalous intrusions and fix possible weak points, more often than not, the weakest points are now your own internal users.
That’s why one of the best lines of defense for any company is to incorporate regular educational seminars on not only the latest phishing schemes but also the state of the company’s cybersecurity defenses. Keeping the topic fresh and constantly relevant helps remind everyone in your company that cybersecurity isn’t only the technology department’s job—it is, in fact, part of everyone’s job since anyone can unknowingly aid and partake in giving access to the company’s network systems.
And lastly, if you are having trouble getting people to make the time and attend? Apart from making it mandatory, I have found that scheduling it as a ‘lunch and learn’ will all but ensure full 100% attendance and participation.
Joseph Leung
CTO
Invest in Continuous Employee Training
At TrackingMore, we understand that our employees are the strongest and weakest link in securing our company systems. Therefore, we stay ahead of evolving phishing threats by consistently training our team members on existing threats and how cybercriminals adapt their methods.
We’ve noted that as AI tools advance, hackers are a step ahead of most organizations in adopting them and tailoring them to their activities. However, human judgment of phishing attacks, when developed and consistently nurtured through training and awareness, can always give the company an extra layer of security against these threats.
I highly recommend that organizations invest in educating their employees on existing cyber threats and their evolution to stay ahead of challenges in the cybersecurity space. This way, when implementing tools such as endpoint management systems to beef up monitoring, their success is not hampered by users who are not knowledgeable about what threats exist and how to respond to them correctly.
Clooney Wang
CEO, TrackingMore
Implement Continuous Phishing Awareness Training
One time, we experienced a near-miss with a sophisticated phishing attempt that nearly compromised our data. This incident was a wake-up call, pushing us to revamp our approach to cybersecurity.
One crucial step we took was to implement continuous employee training programs. These sessions are designed to keep everyone updated on the latest phishing tactics and how to recognize them. For instance, we run simulated phishing attacks to test our team’s awareness and response. This not only helps in identifying weak spots but also keeps cybersecurity top-of-mind for everyone. Companies can prepare for future challenges by investing in such ongoing education, ensuring that their staff is always one step ahead of the threat landscape.
Niclas Schlopsna
Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup
Enhance Proactive Threat-Hunting Capabilities
To stay ahead of evolving phishing threats, my company employs a combination of technological solutions and employee training. We regularly update our email filtering systems to block known phishing emails and utilize advanced threat-detection tools to identify suspicious activity. Additionally, we conduct simulated phishing exercises to assess employee awareness and provide targeted training to enhance their ability to recognize and report phishing attempts. Moreover, we stay informed about emerging phishing tactics and trends through industry news, threat intelligence reports, and participation in cybersecurity forums and communities.
One step companies can take to prepare for future challenges in cybersecurity is to invest in proactive threat-hunting capabilities. Instead of solely relying on defensive measures to block known threats, threat hunting involves actively searching for signs of malicious activity within the network. By proactively seeking out potential threats and vulnerabilities, companies can identify and mitigate risks before they escalate into full-blown security incidents. Implementing a robust threat-hunting program requires specialized skills and tools, but it can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to detect and respond to evolving cyber threats effectively.
Matthew Ramirez
Founder, Rephrasely
Use Simulations and Phish-Alert Programs
Reinforcing necessary protocols when reporting phishing attacks, in tandem with regular simulations, works because employees receive emails disguised as real sources, testing their ability to identify potential threats and avoid clicking malicious links. There should also be a built-in phish-alert program or email plugin that employees can use to identify and report these threats, providing an easy and no-nonsense way to flag such incidents immediately. This approach provides targeted learning and keeps employees vigilant against evolving cyber threats.
Jamie Frew
CEO, Carepatron
Foster Intra-Company Communication
Intra-company communication is the most effective way to combat phishing. It’s one of the oldest approaches to any kind of threat, but it remains the most reliable (no matter how advanced phishing gets). Communication factors into every aspect of cybersecurity, and having a solid communication strategy in place to address crises will go a long way in mitigating potential risks and ensuring swift responses to incidents. See something suspicious? Say something! Phishing attacks can only be successful if they target people who are completely in the dark or who do not ordinarily interact with the security protocols. Keeping everyone in the loop is the key to preventing these attacks from succeeding.
Jaco Lundt
Copywriter, TIDAL Digital
Build a Culture of Security Awareness
PanTerra Networks remains at the forefront of combating evolving phishing threats through a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. Our strategy encompasses various facets, starting with investment in KnowBe4 training for end-users. This initiative empowers our personnel to discern and thwart phishing attempts by staying abreast of the latest tactics and red flags. Coupled with cutting-edge security technology, which filters suspicious emails, blocks malicious links, and detects phishing attempts preemptively, our defenses remain robust. Moreover, our continuous threat monitoring ensures that we stay vigilant against emerging phishing trends, allowing us to adapt our defenses promptly.
In preparing for the future landscape of cybersecurity challenges, PanTerra Networks advocates for fostering a culture of security awareness within companies. This proactive step transcends mere training efforts, extending into ongoing initiatives such as simulated phishing attacks using KnowBe4 or similar tools. By encouraging open communication, we create an environment where employees feel empowered to report suspicious activities without fear of reprisal. Additionally, leadership engagement is pivotal in embedding security awareness into the organizational ethos, ensuring that secure practices permeate all levels of the company. By amalgamating user education, advanced technology, and a proactive security culture, PanTerra Networks stands ready to confront evolving threats and safeguard critical data effectively.
Shawn Boehme
Director of Sales, PanTerra Networks
Prioritize Cybersecurity Awareness and Training
Iron Dome adopts a proactive approach to stay ahead of evolving phishing threats by continuously monitoring emerging trends and evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. We invest in advanced threat intelligence platforms and conduct regular phishing simulation exercises to assess our clients’ susceptibility to phishing attacks. Additionally, our team undergoes rigorous training to recognize and respond effectively to phishing attempts. One crucial step that companies can take to prepare for future challenges in cybersecurity is to prioritize cybersecurity awareness and training initiatives across their organization.
We recommend conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training sessions for employees at all levels, covering topics such as recognizing phishing emails, practicing good password hygiene, and identifying common cyber threats. By investing in proactive cybersecurity measures and cultivating a cyber-resilient workforce, companies can better adapt to evolving cyber threats and mitigate potential risks effectively. Currently, we estimate that 84% of successful cyber attacks have some element of human interaction.
Wayne Stanley
CEO, Iron Dome
Adopt a Multi-Faceted Proactive Strategy
It’s a harsh reality that even as a cybersecurity business, we’re not invincible to phishing attacks. In fact, our line of work makes us a prime target for these malicious attempts.
Our proactive strategy to stay ahead of evolving phishing threats is multi-faceted. It’s designed to ensure we’re shielded from these increasingly sophisticated attacks:
Knowledge is key: By staying current on the latest phishing tactics, techniques, and procedures, we can anticipate potential threats and adjust our defenses accordingly.
Air-tight email security: Our advanced email security software scans for malicious links, attachments, and spoofing attempts, blocking any attempt before it even reaches our users’ inboxes.
Incident response planning: By having a response plan in place, we ensure that in the event of a successful phishing attack, we have clear procedures in place for quick containment, investigation, and recovery, all of which help minimize potential damage and losses.
Zero trust policy: We have adopted a zero-trust policy, operating on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify.’ This policy requires strict identity verification for every user and device trying to access network resources.
By implementing each of these points into our security strategy, we ensure that we are well-equipped to deal with phishing attacks.
Craig Bird
Managing Director, CloudTech24
Layer Security and Train Employees Regularly
Our company fights off ever-changing phishing attacks with a layered security system. This system uses advanced tools that have stopped thousands of attacks recently. We also train employees regularly to spot these scams and require multi-factor authentication to make it harder for hackers to break in. By always watching security trends and changing our plans, we stay ahead of these new threats.
Hodahel Moinzadeh
Founder & Senior Systems Administrator, SecureCPU Managed IT Services
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