Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs of Phishing Attacks

When it comes to cybersecurity, the most important aspect is often pushed aside in favor of solutions that are easier to control, like firewalls, encryption, and modern detection and response tools. However, the biggest and perhaps most important factor affecting your business’ security is, in fact, its people. No matter who you are, it only takes one accidental click to send your network spiraling into chaos, and even the most well-intentioned employees can wreak havoc under the right circumstances.

Hackers Know How (And Who) To Strike

The worst part is that hackers know this, and they actively circumvent powerful technical defenses through smart use of social engineering tactics.

They try to bypass firewalls and other security solutions by targeting something much more vulnerable: the humans using the technology. Since all businesses rely on technology to a certain degree, it’s worth discussing the psychology of the phishing scam and what you can do to keep your team from falling for the next one. When we say that your employees are the frontlines of your cybersecurity defense, we mean it.

So what does it look like to reinforce security on your employees’ part?

This Goes Beyond Compliance

The biggest shift you need to make is to consider the security mindset on an organizational level.

First, you need to stop looking at your team as a security liability. They are the human firewall, a far more powerful tool than any piece of technology can provide, as they provide adaptive, context-aware threat detection. Therefore, you need to change how you train to accommodate this shift, transforming training from boring and simple to continuous, contextual, and engaging. Simulate real attacks with regular phishing tests, then use the results to immediately educate your staff on what can be done differently.

Most importantly, however, you need to simplify security protocols, making them easier to follow. Failing to accomplish this important step is only going to impact workflow and undermine your efforts. We recommend user-friendly authentication methods, clear data handling guidelines, and an open channel for reporting suspicious activity without fear of punishment or scolding.

Creating a Culture of Security

The really beautiful piece of the human firewall is that eventually, security moves out of the realm of IT and infiltrates your company culture. Everyone takes responsibility for the everyday security of your business. Here’s what a healthy cybersecurity company culture looks like:

• Make it a shared responsibility - Security is a team sport. Leaders must champion it, demonstrating secure practices from the top down.
• Encourage reporting - Create a transparent, supportive environment where employees are thanked—not punished—for reporting a suspicious email or a potential slip-up. This is critical for catching incidents early.
• Leverage behavioral science - We can use subtle nudges, clear visual cues, and positive reinforcement to guide people toward safer decisions, making the secure choice the easiest choice.

Investing in your employees is going to be the best cybersecurity training you can provide, so be proactive about it and you can dramatically reduce human error in the process. To learn more about how your business can accomplish this feat, reach out to Apex Technology at (704) 895-0010.