What are the most common mistakes employees make when responding to phishing emails?

With introduction of new tld having .zip and more, it's difficult to really identify using URL. One has to remember proper urls and check for executable if downloading any.

Common mistakes employees make when responding to phishing emails include clicking on suspicious links or attachments without verifying the sender's legitimacy. Sharing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, in response to fraudulent requests is another error. Neglecting to report phishing attempts promptly and falling for urgent or threatening language heightens risks. Lack of awareness and failing to scrutinize email content contribute to susceptibility. Organizations should prioritize educating employees on recognizing phishing red flags and fostering a culture of cybersecurity vigilance.

Better than clicking on links is going directly to the verified source. Got an email from the bank? Open the bank app, don't click the link in the email. As well as links, people should be wary of telephone numbers. Don't click or dial the number in the link - find the correct telephone number somewhere else (like the company website) and verify it.

Um coisa útil também é verificar o remetente do email, email oficiais ou de organiza??es estar?o no domínio da empresa e n?o ter?o sequências de letras e números.

One of the most common mistakes employees make when dealing with phishing emails is clicking on links or attachments without proper scrutiny. Phishing emails often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal sensitive information or install malware. Employees, sometimes in a hurry or due to a lack of awareness, may click on these without verifying the authenticity of the email. This action can lead to compromised personal or company data, and potentially, to larger-scale security breaches. Training employees to pause and inspect links or attachments, even in emails that seem legitimate, is crucial in mitigating this risk.

Remember, legitimate organizations never request sensitive information through email; they direct you to their official website or contact number. The key to avoiding this mistake is awareness and skepticism. Never respond to emails asking for personal or financial details. Instead, verify the sender's authenticity through independent channels. Educating employees about these tactics and encouraging a culture of caution can significantly reduce the risk of falling for such phishing attempts.

Providing sensitive information in response to email requests is a critical mistake often exploited in phishing. Employees should understand that legitimate entities never solicit such data through email. Creating scenarios in training where employees are exposed to simulated phishing attempts can significantly enhance their ability to discern such traps. Also, having a protocol for verifying the authenticity of such requests through alternative communication channels can serve as an effective safeguard.

Too many people think if they click on a "suspicious" email and nothing bad happens, then all is well. In fact, it could take hours, days, or even months for the threat to reveal consequences. This is why it's so important to report phishing emails to IT and security teams. The impact may not be apparent at all. If your network was adversely impacted your IT/Security team can run additional scans for safety. If you disclosed credentials, your IT /Security team can re-set them. Create a security culture where people feel safe speaking up. Someone who's afraid of "getting in trouble" can cause a lot of harm.

Strong communication is a two way street. Security teams need to let their colleagues know that they are there to help/support the company and team members need to know that they won't be judged/made fun of/shamed if they report. Often not reporting happens for several reasons, shame, lack of knowledge (thinking it isn't a big deal), moving to the next task a person has to do, etc. It's our job in security to help raise awareness around why it is important to report and also to bring comfortability with shame.

Muitas pessoas n?o sabem que precisam reportar, acham que somente apagar o email já é suficiente. Este é um grande desafio das equipes de conscientiza??o: sensibilizar o usuário da importancia da sua contribui??o para os times de resposta a incidentes ao reportar um email. Um outro problema comum também é que os programas de email n?o mantém o bot?o de reporte em local de fácil acesso, alguns até mesmo ficam "escondidos" o que dificulta muito a a??o do usuário.

The worst thing that employees can do when getting a phishing email is ... NOTHING Not reporting to the cybersecurity team means a potential threat or risk targeting an employee could not be analyzed Cybersecurity teams should ensure that process is as friction-less is possible and easy for the employees to do That one email could be a sign of worse attacks to come !

Underreporting phishing emails is a gap in organizational defense. Employees often hesitate to report for fear of reprisal or embarrassment. Establishing a non-punitive culture where reporting is encouraged and rewarded can transform employees into active participants in cybersecurity. Tools like dedicated reporting buttons integrated within email clients can streamline this process, making it easy and immediate.

Neglecting software updates is akin to leaving doors unlocked in a high-crime area. Regular updates are vital defense layers against phishing attacks. Organizations should automate updates where possible and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance. Educating employees on the importance of updates in protecting their personal and professional data can also encourage proactive behavior in maintaining updated systems.

MFA is a superpower. So much more important than "changing your passwords." That being said, if your passwords contain anything like your 4th dog's middle name, probably want to switch that out to cousin Jimmy's Goldfish's palindrome, eh? In all serious, MFA for the win. Simple. Powerful.

Habilitar o MFA é essencial no mundo digital atual. Nenhuma conta deveria deixar de ter essa fun??o!! Se você tem um conta na internet, você precisa ter um MFA habilitado, simples assim.

In a phishing exercise, an agency's top officials, including the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, clicked a link in an email claiming to show a live video feed of the lunchroom. Both admitted curiosity, and expressed belief in IT to handle issues. It's imperative to recognize that the best defense against phishing requires a collective effort by fostering a culture of vigilance and awareness throughout the organization. Each individual, regardless of their role, plays a crucial part in maintaining robust cybersecurity. By being informed and cautious, employees contribute significantly to the overall security posture, safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the organization from potential breaches.

Cybersecurity is a bit of a cat and mouse game and as long as there’s a lot of money to be made, cyber criminals will keep innovating and generate new variations of phishing emails. Telling employees not to click on “suspicious” emails doesn’t really work because the best fishing emails won’t look suspicious - they’ll impersonate common brands and when sending out millions of these emails all they need to do is catch one person who is, for example, waiting for a package that’s delayed or currently has some sort of issue with their bank account. Gone are the days of obvious misspellings and amateur graphics. Keep reviewing the latest examples - training is not a “do it once and check a box” activity!

A lack of ongoing education about phishing tactics leads to vulnerability. Continuous training programs, using latest real-world examples, can keep this knowledge fresh and top of mind. Sharing stories of successful phishing defenses or breaches within the organization can also serve as practical learning tools. Leveraging these real-life experiences makes the threat of phishing more tangible and promotes a vigilant workplace culture.

These 4 tips will help anyone who follows them from getting hooked by phishing emails. 1. Did the sender initiate the email? Phishing emails always try to lure recipients. 2. Did the email request, or demand, action? Phishing emails always try to get you to do something. 3. Did the email make you feel Fear, Urgency or Doubt? Phishing emails will try to beFUDdle you and feel something. 4. If you can answer "yes" to #1, #2 and #3, pause and check in with your gut instinct. Use another communications channel to contact the "sender" -- call, text or IM -- and verify the contents.