Forms of phishing
Phishing comes in many forms, from mass emails to targeted attacks on corporate executives, for example. Sometimes cybercriminals shoot with hail, attacking random people. But this is not always the case: spear phishing is also on the rise, with cybercriminals working in a very targeted and personalized way. Here, hackers choose specific targets and then conduct research to create and send customized, personalized e-mails. For example, the email may appear to come from a trusted source, such as a colleague or supervisor, but may then turn out to be a phishing email after all. Other forms include text message phishing (smishing) and phone phishing (vishing), in which criminals try to trick you through text messages or phone calls.
How do you recognize phishing?
Recognizing phishing is crucial to protecting yourself. Pay attention to the following signs:
- Unexpected or strange messages:
If you receive a message you are not expecting, be extra careful. Sometimes messages are also strange, such as a supplier suddenly requesting payment to a different account number.
- Vague salutation:
Phishing emails often begin with general salutations such as "Dear Customer" instead of your name.
- Unusual URLs:
Check link addresses by hovering your mouse over them without clicking. Often they differ just slightly from the real URLs. Not sure? Then use the tool checkjelinkje.nl.
- Urgent language:
Messages that panic use terms like "Immediate action required" or "Your account will be closed."
- Unknown sender:
It may be that sender uses an unusual e-mail address or the sender is unknown at all.
- Grammar and spelling errors:
Many phishing emails contain obvious grammar and spelling errors. However, with the rise of AI, the emails are becoming increasingly professional and harder to distinguish from a legitimate email.
- Style deviations:
For example, the e-mail may include a discolored color, writing style or logo. Here also, with the rise of AI, emails appear more and more professional.
The dangers of phishing
Phishing can have serious consequences for both individuals and businesses. First, it can lead to direct financial damage, such as robbing bank accounts or making fraudulent purchases. In addition, identity theft is a major risk, with criminals using personal information for fraudulent activities. For companies, reputational damage is a major concern; they may lose the trust of customers and partners. Finally, phishing can lead to data loss, with sensitive business information falling into the wrong hands, which can result in the loss of competitive advantage or legal problems.
How can you protect yourself?
Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself and your organization from phishing:
- Be alert for suspicious messages: Always check the sender and watch for irregularities in the e-mail.
- Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to make accessing your accounts more difficult.
- Invest in security awareness: Make employees aware of phishing dangers and teach them to recognize and report suspicious messages.
- Phishing simulations: Run regular phishing simulations to test your organization and train employees.
What do we do about phishing during ISO 27001 implementation?
Phishing poses a serious threat to any organization, which is why it is essential to pay attention to it when implementing ISO 27001. During our risk analysis, we always look at the dangers of phishing and take specific measures to counter it. Think of raising awareness among you and your colleagues about the risks of malware. We help you to be alert to suspicious emails and links so you don't fall into the trap.
In addition, in consultation with your IT department, we deploy technical tools such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC to ensure the security of your e-mail traffic. These tools help verify that an e-mail really comes from the sender it claims to be. This way, we reduce the chances of malicious emails getting to you.
It's also important that you know how to report phishing. That's why we are developing efficient reporting channels so that you can report suspicious emails quickly and easily. Together, we'll keep your organization safe and ensure that your cyber risks remain manageable.
We can help you with much more!
We offer various phishing simulations to arm your organization against this threat that continues to evolve. We would love to help you create a more secure digital environment. Want to know more about how we can help you? Then feel free to contact us. Together, we'll make sure phishing doesn't stand a chance!
