Meta Description:
In this blog you’ll learn what phishing is, discover the most common phishing techniques and learn how you can stay safe from these phishing attacks.
The internet is a great place, and it has now become a necessity for everyone, but it’s also full of traps.
Everybody thinks they’re safe from cyber threats, but that’s not the case. One of the biggest threats on the internet is phishing. In most cases, users receive a sketchy email asking for their password or a text message pretending to be their bank, that’s how phishing happens. It’s a deceptive way cybercriminals try to trick businesses into giving away personal information.
But don’t worry! In this guide, we’re going to explain everything about phishing. We’ll explain what phishing is, highlight the most common phishing techniques, and give some tips on how a managed service provider like you can help your clients protect themselves
Read on to find more about it!
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a cybercrime where scammers fake trustworthy sources to steal sensitive information. This can include passwords, credit card numbers, or even social security numbers. These scams usually happen in the form of emails, text messages, or fake websites that are designed to look real.
Cybercriminals use phishing techniques to target individuals and businesses, which results in financial losses and identity theft. And here’s more: Day by day these scams are getting smarter and harder for the users to detect.
Your clients might think that they would never fall for such tricks, but phishing techniques are so convincing that even smart people get fooled. That’s why it’s important to recognize the different phishing techniques out there and know how to protect oneself.
Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world. – IBM Security
10 Common Phishing Techniques Everyone Should Know About
Phishing techniques come in all shapes and sizes. We have discussed some common phishing techniques that everyone must know about:
1. Email Phishing
This is the most common phishing technique. In this technique scammers send emails to users that look like they’re from a trusted company (like PayPal, Amazon, or the bank). These emails often contain a link to a fake website that steals important login credentials.
How to spot it: To spot an email phishing attempt, look out for misspelled words, urgent messages asking the users to “act fast,” and links that seem off. If an email asks to confirm personal details, always go to the official website instead of clicking on the link.
2. Spear Phishing
Spear phishing is a more targeted phishing technique. In this technique, instead of sending mass emails, hackers personalize messages to trick the user. They might pretend to be a boss, a colleague, or a friend.
How to spot it: In case of facing this attack, the users have to be suspicious of unexpected emails, especially those pretending to be friends asking for money transfers or confidential information. If something feels off, give the person a quick call to confirm.
3. Whaling
Whaling is a type of phishing technique that targets high-profile individuals like CEOs or company executives. These attacks aim to steal large amounts of data or money.
How to spot it: Executives should always verify emails requesting sensitive company information. Even if an email looks official, take a step back and double-check always.
4. Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Phishing doesn’t just happen over email, it also happens over text too! Smishing is when scammers send fake messages pretending to be from the user’s bank, a delivery service, or even the government.
How to spot it: To avoid these attacks, do not click on links in unexpected texts. If in doubt, contact the company directly. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, so stay calm and verify the information before taking action.
5. Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Scammers use phone calls to trick the users into giving away information. They might pretend to be a bank, tech support, or even the IRS.
How to spot it: If someone calls and asks for sensitive information, hang up and call the company directly using a number from their official website. Never share important passwords or PIN over the phone.
6. Angler Phishing
This phishing technique happens on social media. Scammers pretend to be customer service representatives to steal important information when a user seeks help online.
How to spot it: To avoid these, never share personal info over social media. Contact the company through their verified customer support channels. If a support account reaches out to a user first, high chance it’s a scam call.
7. Clone Phishing
With this phishing technique, scammers duplicate an authorized email and replace links or attachments with malicious ones.
How to spot it: In case of receiving a duplicate email with updated links, the user must confirm with the sender before clicking anything. Always check the email address carefully.
8. CEO Fraud
This phishing technique targets employees by pretending to be their CEO or manager. The goal is usually to trick someone into wiring money or sharing confidential data.
How to spot it: If a user receives an email from the boss with an unusual request, they need to first verify it through another communication method. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
9. Man-in-the-Middle Attack
The name might sound weird, but this phishing technique happens when hackers intercept the user’s online communication. For example, if the victim uses public Wi-Fi without security, attackers can steal important login details.
How to spot it: In order to keep safe, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions without connecting to a VPN. If a website doesn’t have “https” in the URL, then don’t enter personal information.
10. Pharming
Pharming is when hackers redirect the user from a real website to a fake one without them even realizing it. This phishing technique is extra dangerous because the user doesn’t have to click anything, it happens even when they don’t click on it.
How to spot it: In order to avoid these techniques, clients and teams should always double-check the website URL before entering personal details. They should also use bookmarks for frequently visited sites to ensure they’re always going to the real page.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves from Phishing Techniques
As an MSP, your client’s safety is important to you. They need to know how to protect their business from a sophisticated phishing attack:
1. Be Careful of Unexpected Emails and Messages
If your client gets an email or message asking for personal information, they should always double-check before responding. Scammers try to create urgency, so always take a moment to think before clicking.
2. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Employees have to think before clicking them. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the official website, then they shouldn’t click it! Instead, they should go directly to the official website and log in from there.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker steals an important password, they won’t be able to access the account without the second authentication factor.
Multi-factor authentication: Because one lock is never enough. – CISA
4. Keep Softwares and Antivirus Updated
Fun fact: Security updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers utilize. So, always make sure your client has their devices always up to date.
5. Verify Requests for Money or Information
If someone asks to wire money or share sensitive information, a user should always verify it first through a separate communication channel.
6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Don’t use the same password for everything. Consider using a password manager to keep track of strong passwords.
7. Educate And Learn
Phishing techniques evolve constantly. So, everybody needs to be informed and also help colleagues, clients, and peers learn about phishing risks.
Phishing simulations significantly enhance cybersecurity awareness, as demonstrated in this research on phishing simulation effectiveness.
How Clip Training Can Help Stay Safe from Phishing Attacks
ClipTraining offers MSPs easy to follow cybersecurity awareness training that helps your clients team recognize phishing techniques and avoid scams. Our training covers everything from spotting suspicious emails to protecting company data.
With ClipTraining, your clients can:
- Learn about the latest phishing techniques in a simple way.
- Take flexible courses that fit their schedule.
- Get hands-on phishing simulation tests to see how well they can detect scams.
If a business wants to stay safe from phishing attacks, investing in training is one of the best things they can do, and you can help them leverage this opportunity. Visit ClipTraining today and let our team help you out!
The takeaways
Phishing is a real threat, but by understanding common phishing techniques and following security best practices, businesses can protect themselves and their data. The key is to stay alert of unexpected requests for any personal information.
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to trick people, but if your clients know what to look out for, they’ll be one step ahead. Help your clients with ClipTraining – visit today! Book a demo and see how it fits.