Spear Phishing Attacks On The Rise: What You Need To Know

The number of spear phishing attacks is on the rise, and businesses need to be aware of the threat. Here’s what you need to know about spear phishing and how to protect your business.

What is spear phishing?

Spear phishing is a type of phishing attack that is targeted at a specific individual or organization. Unlike general phishing attacks, which are sent to large groups of people in the hope that some will take the bait, spear phishing attacks are carefully crafted to appear as if they come from a trusted source. This makes them much more effective, as the recipient is more likely to trust the email and click on any links or attachments.

How do spear phishing attacks work?

Spear phishing attacks usually start with the attacker collecting some information about their target, such as their email address, job title, and company name. This information can be sourced from social media, public records, or other online sources. The attacker then uses this information to create an email that appears to come from a trusted source, such as the target’s boss or a company they do business with. The email will usually contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, will install malware on the target’s computer or redirect them to a website that looks legitimate but is actually controlled by the attacker.

How can I protect my business from spear phishing attacks?

There are a few steps you can take to protect your business from spear phishing attacks:

– Educate your employees about the threat of spear phishing and what to look out for.

– Use email filtering to block emails from known or suspected spear phishing campaigns.

– Use two-factor authentication for all your online accounts. This will make it much harder for attackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password.

– Keep your software and security systems up to date. This will help to ensure that any new spear phishing campaigns are quickly blocked.