The internet has softened the burden of operating a company. Many tasks have been computerized, and information can be easily accessed. However, the internet has also come with its share of problems with cybercrime being the biggest. The most challenging issue with cybercrime is that it keeps evolving. And, phishing is an example of such a cybercrime. 

What is phishing, though?

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where a black hat hacker attempts to steal critical data by using bait, usually in the form of an email although they are now also using social media.

The hacker usually develops a website that looks exactly like that of a financial institution or credit card company. They then send you an email containing this link and prompt you to enter your information to verify your account. Before you realize what happened, they have your sensitive data.

Phishing is also when the hacker tricks you into giving up your login credentials and then installing malware into your machine to make the entire system vulnerable. Phoenix companies endeavor to be at the top of their game to avoid phishing. The majority of the steps are anti-phishing methods for employees.

Here is how they are able to keep their employees safe from phishing scams:

1.    Educating Employees about New Phishing Techniques

The techniques used to phish are continually changing. Without current information, employees could inadvertently fall prey to this cybercrime. Phoenix has a vibrant Information Technology (IT) department that keeps in touch with the latest methods hackers use to phish.

They print and present this information in a language that is not jargon to the other employees. They also hold regular training.

2.    Keeping up-to-date Software

Having the latest anti-virus software is a crucial step in ensuring that a company’s system is not compromised. It will prevent malware from setting roots in the system.

An updated spam filtering software for your emails is also critical. They will automatically send spam emails to the spam folder.

3.    Using Two-Step Verification

This involves sending of code to your phone after an initial login attempt. The code is used to confirm that it is indeed you who has made the attempt.You can only log in to the system if you enter the code.

This process adds a layer of security that ensures only the right personnel access the system.

4.    Checking the Source of an Email

This seems like an obvious step, but there are still so many people who open links without double-checking the sender. These emails usually have improper spelling or grammar, or they urge the user to take immediate action.

These emails may also have suspicious attachments or may tell you have won a contest you never entered.

5.    Holding Mock Drills for Phishing Attacks

After proper employee training, it is crucial to have mock drills to see how they would react to phishing attempts. You can do this by sending a mock email and viewing on the backend if they click on the link or send it directly to spam.

This mock drill can also be an excellent way to test the strength of the security software installed.

6.    Regularly Changing the Passwords

You can do this daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the sensitivity of the information and the number of IT personnel who can oversee this. It may not be possible to do it for all the employees in the company, but it can be done for several employees who have access to highly sensitive information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cybercrime thwarting requires vigilance at all times. More often than not, keeping intruders out of the system will require a combination of all the steps mentioned above.