Boosting Employee Awareness: The Power of Phishing Tests

Understanding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are a pervasive threat that every internet user should be aware of. In simple terms, phishing is a type of social engineering that tricks users into actions that compromise their computer, identity, or network. These attacks often come in the form of emails that lure users into clicking malicious links, potentially giving hackers access to account credentials or even remote control of their computers.

The Importance of Phishing Awareness

Phishing attacks account for nearly 90% of cyber attacks on businesses. Despite this, many Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) have not yet trained their employees on cybersecurity. This lack of training puts these businesses at significant risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. With the increase in remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers have intensified their phishing efforts, using devious and convincing social engineering tactics.

Defending Against Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks make it easy for hackers, as victims often unknowingly hand over sensitive information or grant access to their networks. The most effective way to defend against these attacks is through comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training. Here are some steps businesses can take:

• Train Employees: Educate your staff on how to spot, avoid, and delete phishing emails.
• Phish Testing: Regularly test your employees with simulated phishing attacks and provide additional training to those who fail.
• Password Managers: Purchase and train your employees on using password managers. These tools can prevent users from entering credentials on phishing websites.
• Email Protection: Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to protect your domain from being used in phishing attacks.

Effective Staff Training

One of the best ways to train staff is through phish testing. Platforms like CyberHoot allow administrators to create phishing campaigns to test employees. CyberHoot offers various templates that mimic emails from well-known domains like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and even government entities related to COVID-19.

CyberHoot’s phishing tests help identify which users are opening emails, clicking on links, and entering sensitive data. This allows businesses to pinpoint their weakest links and provide targeted remedial training before a hacker succeeds in breaching their systems.

Taking Action

To ensure your business is protected, consider signing up with CyberHoot today. Their platform offers comprehensive tools to train and test your employees, helping you sleep better knowing your staff is cyber-aware and vigilant.

For more information on setting up a phishing campaign, you can watch a short video tutorial.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks are a significant threat, but with the right training and tools, businesses can protect themselves effectively. By educating employees and regularly testing their awareness, companies can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious attacks.