What Is Phishing? These Are the Facts You Should Know in 2021

Almost all of us know someone who has had personal data stolen online. In the digital world, this constitutes theft and can have far-reaching consequences for the affected individuals or organizations. Data breaches and compromised passwords are just two of the IT security challenges you need to be prepared for.

Given these real-world threats, it is important to take proactive measures against digital data theft. In this article, we explain how you can protect yourself both personally and within your organization, and what tools are available to do so. We also cover the most common methods for uncovering IT security vulnerabilities. With this foundational knowledge of phishing, you will be well equipped to actively combat digital data theft. NIST has compiled several current examples of phishing attacks.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Phishing?

Phishing refers to the targeted theft of personal data. Attackers illegally obtain passwords, usernames, and confidential information. This data is often used for blackmail or sold on the black market. The consequences can be severe for you personally or for your organization. Even the smallest piece of information can be enough to cause significant damage.

Fortunately, modern IT security methods already exist that make phishing significantly harder for attackers. In the following sections, we introduce three proven approaches: penetration testing, awareness training, and red teaming. These measures can help you effectively defend against phishing. They help you avoid ransom payments and potential liability claims from your customers. These measures can also reduce the risk of a mandatory data breach notification. Microsoft also offers tips on how to protect yourself from phishing.

Penetration Testing and Red Teaming

A penetration test (or pentest for short) is a comprehensive security assessment in which an organization's entire IT infrastructure is systematically checked for vulnerabilities. Penetration testing is particularly valuable for companies with many employees and their own servers. IT experts thoroughly examine the entire network, identifying the most common attack vectors and weak points. Using current IT security standards, they can close backdoors and fix existing vulnerabilities.

Another method for securing your network is red teaming. A team of consultants and security experts simulates a group of real-world attackers. They attempt to access your data from the perspective of an unauthorized third party. Any security gaps exploited during the exercise are then documented and remediated. Red teaming is suitable for both companies and individuals with their own IT infrastructure.

Awareness Campaigns for Employees

Even the best technical security measures are useless if employees, as the last line of defense, are not adequately aware of threats. A single malicious email attachment is enough to give attackers a foothold. That is why we recommend awareness training for your employees. In these sessions, we work with your team on best practices for handling email attachments securely. We also share general tips and strategies to help your employees develop a stronger security mindset when dealing with data. Rapid7 provides an introduction to the topic.

An awareness campaign like this is ideal for helping employees with limited technical backgrounds understand both the opportunities and dangers of the digital world. In this training, we specifically address IT security and phishing. With the improved security awareness gained, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack within your organization. A well-protected company also serves as a deterrent to potential attackers.

Conclusion: Protection in the Digital World Is Indispensable

In recent years, IT security has gained significant attention. Remote work, outdated server networks, and untrained staff are key factors enabling attackers to succeed with phishing on a daily basis. Organizations of all sizes are affected, from sole proprietorships and SMEs to large corporations. Business leaders bear the responsibility to actively address and close security gaps.

In our experience, penetration testing and red teaming are excellent first steps toward bringing a company up to a modern security standard. Building on that foundation, awareness training and continuous security audits by external experts are highly recommended. External specialists can provide an unbiased assessment of your company's IT security weaknesses. Invest in awareness training for your organization to ensure secure internal and external communication for your employees. This will sustainably elevate your overall security posture to a new level.