What is Phishing?

Preventing phishing attacks requires a combination of technology, vigilance, and ongoing education. Here are the top ways to protect yourself and your organization from phishing:

• Use Security Software and Keep Systems Updated
  Install and maintain up-to-date security software—including antivirus, anti-malware, and firewalls—on all devices. Set these tools to update automatically to ensure protection against the latest threats. This also applies to operating systems and browsers, which should be patched regularly to close security vulnerabilities. 
• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors—such as a password and a code sent to a mobile device—before accessing sensitive accounts. Phishing-resistant MFA (like FIDO authenticators) is especially effective, as it reduces the risk of credential theft
• Educate and Train Employees
  Regularly train staff to recognize phishing attempts, including suspicious emails, links, and attachments. Conduct simulated phishing campaigns to test awareness and reinforce good habits. Encourage employees to report suspicious messages to IT or security teams
• Use Advanced Email Security Solutions
  Deploy email filtering tools that automatically block or quarantine suspicious messages. These solutions use blocklists and advanced algorithms to detect and prevent phishing emails from reaching inboxes
• Be Vigilant and Question Unsolicited Communications
  Always scrutinize unexpected emails, texts, or calls, especially those requesting sensitive information or urgent action. Look for red flags like poor grammar, mismatched sender addresses, and suspicious links or attachments
• Never Share Sensitive Information via Email
  Avoid sending personal or financial information through email unless you are certain of the recipient’s authenticity and the communication is secure
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords
  Create complex passwords for each account and avoid reusing them. Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely
• Back Up Data Regularly
  Regularly back up important data to external drives or cloud storage. This ensures you can recover your information if a phishing attack leads to data loss or ransomware.
• Report and Respond Promptly
  If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to your IT department or relevant authorities. If you fall victim, change affected passwords immediately, notify banks, monitor accounts for unauthorized activity, and disconnect compromised devices from the internet to prevent further damage
• Use Anti-Phishing Tools and Browser Extensions
  Install browser extensions or add-ons that block known phishing sites and warn you of suspicious links. Examples include Netcraft, Avira Browser Safety, and Web of Trust

By combining these strategies—technology, education, and proactive habits—you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.