How to Stop Phishing Attacks

The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to avoid giving out your personal information. This may be easier said than done, but a few simple steps can go a long way. Whenever you receive an email requesting personal details, stop clicking on it without thinking. Often, the emails look like legitimate company emails, so it is important to double-check the URL and email address. You should also use strong authentication on websites, such as one-time PINs texted to your mobile phone.

When receiving unwanted emails, never click on a link provided in them. The first step is to check the website address. You can either type the website address in your browser or bookmark it. If you do not recognise the address, do not click on it. You should also take immediate action to protect yourself. If you think that you have fallen victim to a phishing attack, notify your bank.

Encryption is another effective way to stop phishing attacks. Encryption, also known as end-to-end encryption, ensures that an employee’s email message is completely encrypted before it leaves the company’s servers. This means that only the intended recipient can read it, making it extremely difficult for cybercriminals to steal sensitive information or access any attachments. If you have a cloud-based document sharing platform, it’s a good idea to have employees training on how to handle emails that contain attachments.

Another way to stop phishing attacks is to prevent yourself from clicking on suspicious links. Phishing emails can look legitimate, but they’re not. They’re designed to trick unsuspecting email users into providing personal information that cybercriminals can use for fraud. It’s best to stay away from these sites at all costs, and instead opt for legitimate links in your emails. However, if you still click on a phishing email, make sure to delete it immediately. For advice on Cyber Security Insurance, contact JMP Cyber Insurance

While phishing attacks are real, many companies have tried to stop them by training their employees to recognise the warning signs. However, their efforts have proven to be ineffective – as almost a quarter of phishing emails are still opened. Instead, they should adopt technology that automatically blocks phishing attacks from reaching users’ inboxes. This would help prevent most phishing attacks, but unfortunately, they’re still a constant threat.

Moreover, training all employees is essential. Even if some employees are more vulnerable than others, phishing attacks can start with just one vulnerable employee. For this reason, training all employees is the first line of defense.