The Top 6 Phishing Awareness Best Practices

Cybercrime forums and networks are rife with cybercriminals selling stolen data to fuel personalised phishing attacks. Phishing remains an effective hacking tactic because it exploits human nature - if you send a phishing email to 20 employees, the odds are one will fall victim eventually.

Keepnet Labs routinely monitors criminal hacking forums and recently came across just one of these countless threads. In this instance, a seller was selling cracked SMTP credentials, unfortunately belonging to legitimate companies.

With access to corporate email accounts, attackers can launch highly targeted phishing campaigns directly through victims' own infrastructure. This significantly increases the chances an attack will evade security protocols and deceive someone into clicking a malicious link or opening an infected file.

Transactions of people's private details are an everyday occurrence across many underground markets on cybercrime forums and networks. While this was a single example, it represents thousands of comparable dealings laid bare. Looking ahead, we've developed a list of 7 tips aimed at strengthening awareness of phishing schemes:

1. Run Employee Training Programs and Use Simulated Phishing

One of the most important initiatives is continuously training employees and testing their phishing threat awareness. You should run organisation-wide training covering common phishing techniques, signs of attacks, reporting procedures, and company policies.?

Then conduct regular simulated phishing campaigns that mimic real-world attacks and track which users fall victim. Identify vulnerable employees in need of remediation training based on high failure rates. Tailor future education efforts based on attack methods employees struggle with most.

2. Implement DMARC, DKIM and SPF Email Authentication

Prevent cybercriminals from spoofing legitimate domains by implementing email authentication technologies like DMARC, DKIM and SPF. DMARC allows you to publish policies dictating what happens to non-compliant emails claiming to originate from your domains. Configure strict DMARC policies to quarantine or reject spoofed messages.?

Implement DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) to cryptographically sign and validate legitimate outbound emails. Publish Sender Policy Framework (SPF) TXT records allowing receivers to cross-check connecting IP addresses against authorised mail servers listed for your domain. Together, these email authentication mechanisms can stop spoofed phishing emails impersonating trusted contacts.

3. Implement and Manage Strict Access Controls

Limiting unauthorised exposure of sensitive information via access controls is vital for phishing defence. Follow principles of least privilege granting only essential permissions. Institute approval workflows for accessing confidential company data.?

Require elevated credentials for high-risk systems. Automatically disable dormant accounts after periods of inactivity. Stay on top of access control policies as a key barrier against damage from any successful phishing attacks.

4. Broadly Deploy Encryption Technologies

Encrypting sensitive information at rest and in transit provides protection should cybercriminals penetrate outer defences.?

Implement encryption protocols like TLS for email communications and internal network traffic channels transmitting confidential information like customer PII, financials or intellectual property.?

5. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies across email accounts, business systems, network gateways and other potential attack vectors. Regularly conduct audits to ensure MFA consistency for maximum defence in depth.

6. Leverage Threat Intelligence Feeds

Incorporate cyber threat intelligence feeds into security operations and defences. Threat intelligence can detect compromised accounts, malicious IP addresses and phishing infrastructure associated with sophisticated attacks before they target your organisation directly.?

Automate containment responses disabling compromised credentials, blocking suspicious IPs and quarantining dangerous emails preemptively.

7. Boost Phishing Awareness With Keepnet Security Awareness Training?

Keepnet's Security Awareness Training Platform elevates your defense strategy by empowering your employees with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize and respond to cyber threats. With access to some of the best security awareness content available, your employees will benefit from engaging and comprehensive training modules tailored to address the specific risks your organization faces.

Features from Keepnet Labs Security Awareness Training :

• Customizable Training Modules: Tailor your security awareness program to meet the unique needs of your organization, focusing on the threats that pose the greatest risk to your operations.
• Interactive Learning Experiences: Utilize Keepnet's engaging training techniques, including simulations and quizzes, to ensure employees not only consume the content but understand and remember it.
• Continuous Learning Path: With Keepnet, learning isn't a one-time event. Our platform offers ongoing training opportunities to keep pace with the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor the effectiveness of your training program with detailed analytics and reporting features. Identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Multi-Vendor Content Library: Choose from a wide range of materials provided by over 10 leading vendors, ensuring your training content is diverse, up-to-date, and effective.

Embrace the comprehensive solution offered by Keepnet to secure your digital environment. From monitoring exposed accounts with our Threat Intelligence product to cultivating a security-aware culture with our Training Platform, Keepnet equips you with the tools to protect your organization from cyber threats.

Please watch our security awareness training demo video and see how we can help you to boost your phishing awareness.?

Schedule your 30-minute demo meeting here, and you'll learn how to:

• Set up automatic security awareness training for your employees that more than 4 million people use.?
• Send security awareness training to your employees through SMS.?
• Choose from a wide range of materials from more than 10 different vendors for thorough training without being limited to just one supplier.