?? Protecting Your Business Against Phishing and Spoofing Attacks

In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. Phishing attacks and email spoofing pose significant risks to businesses of all sizes. No organization is immune, and even small businesses can become targets.

Let’s dive into why you need to take email security seriously and how Ferguson Computers can help.

Phishing: The Silent Thief

Phishing involves trying to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details, with the intention of using or selling the stolen data.

Cybercriminals are getting smarter, using tactics like email, voicemail and text messages to deceive users and steal sensitive information.

Many phishing attacks are generic and use a "wide net" technique to try and trick end users. This is done using common methods, such as:

• Account deactivation scam: When a cybercriminal sends an email pretending to be from a legitimate service provider (e.g. bank, social media platform, or online store.) They claim that the user's account is at risk of deactivation due to suspicious activity or outdated information. The email urges the user to click a link to verify their account details. If the user complies, they unknowingly provide sensitive information (like passwords or credit card numbers) to the attacker.
• Website Forgery Scam (Pharming): An attacker creates a fake website that closely resembles a legitimate one. Users unknowingly visit the fraudulent site and enter their login credentials or PII (personal identifiable information). The fake site collects the data and either compromise the user's account or sells their data on the dark web.
• IT Support Scam: Attackers use threatening pop-ups within a user's web browser saying that the user's computer or their account has been compromised. The message instructs the user to call a support number or initiate a support chat to resolve the threat. The attacker poses as a support agent, often claiming to represent companies like Microsoft, McAfee, Norton's, etc. The goal is to gain access to the user's computer and/or harvest their personal details, such as credit card & banking information.

Email Spoofing: A Stealthy Threat

Email spoofing involves disguising as a trusted sender to gain your trust. Attackers manipulate the “from” field or create fake domains, making their emails appear legitimate.

It is surprisingly simple to clone or "spoof" an email address, and often times the end user would not recognize the scam unless they analyze data in the email header.

Cybercriminals have several common goals when using an email spoofing attack:

• To compromise the user's computer and/or network and possibly distribute malware to other users
• To steal money by tricking the user into revealing their financial information or instructing them to transfer money and/or change account information on wire transfers, direct deposits, etc.
• To hijack online accounts or steal sensitive information by getting the user to divulge information such as social security numbers, financial details, login credentials, answers to security questions, etc.

Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

It may seem like the only tool against these types of scams is common sense, but there are other ways to protect yourself or your business from falling victim to phishing and/or spoofing.

Ferguson Computers protects our managed IT customers with advanced layers of protection applied at the email and network level, which helps filter out phishing/spoofing attacks before they ever hit your inbox.

Additionally, we offer Security Awareness Training (SAT) that can help educate and prepare your staff if they encounter a cyber threat.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Ferguson Computers for expert guidance on email security, anti-phishing measures, and employee training. Remember, no business is too small to be targeted. Let’s protect your organization together!

?? Reach out to us at FergusonComputers.com or call (502) 543-1877.