How to Recognize Phishing and Other Social Engineering Scams Before They Happen to You

Did you know 91% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email? Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for these scams because attackers know they often lack the resources of larger corporations.

The good news? With the right knowledge and training, you can spot these scams before they harm your business.

Let’s dive into the types of social engineering attacks, a real-life case study, and practical steps to keep your business secure.

What Are Social Engineering Attacks?

Social engineering attacks exploit human behavior to manipulate people into revealing sensitive information or giving unauthorized access. Here are the top types to watch for:

1. Phishing

Fake emails or messages that trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing private information.

• Example: An email that looks like it’s from your bank, asking you to “confirm” your login details.

2. Baiting

Using something tempting, like a free download, to lure victims into downloading malware or providing information.

• Example: A USB drive labeled “Confidential” left in your office parking lot—plug it in, and malware spreads.

3. Pretexting

Creating a fake scenario to build trust and extract sensitive information.

• Example: A scammer pretending to be an IT technician asking for your password to "fix" an issue.

A Real-Life Example: When Phishing Hits Home

A local retail shop received what seemed like an urgent email from their credit card processor. The email instructed them to log in to a provided link to verify their account due to “unusual activity.”

The link led to a realistic-looking website, where the manager unknowingly entered the store's credentials. Days later, the business discovered unauthorized transactions draining their account.

What went wrong?

• Urgency: The email warned of immediate action.

• Suspicious Link: Hovering over the link revealed a suspicious URL.

• No Verification: The manager didn’t double-check the sender with the credit card company.

How to Spot Social Engineering Scams

To protect your business, train your employees to recognize these red flags:

1. Urgency or Fear Tactics: Messages that pressure you to act immediately.

2. Suspicious Links: Always hover over links before clicking. If the URL looks strange, don’t click.

3. Odd Requests: Legitimate organizations won’t ask for passwords or sensitive data via email.

4. Spelling and Grammar Errors: Subtle mistakes in professional-looking emails are a major warning sign.

Protect Your Business in 4 Steps

1. Invest in Employee Training:
   Regular training sessions or short educational videos help employees stay vigilant.

2. Verify Requests:
   Encourage employees to double-check requests for sensitive information through a separate, verified channel.

3. Deploy Technology:
   Tools like spam filters, firewalls, and endpoint protection software can block threats before they reach you.

4. Build a Culture of Security:
   Create an environment where employees feel comfortable pausing to verify suspicious messages without fear of judgment.

Take the Next Step

Phishing and social engineering scams are preventable, but only if you’re proactive. By training your team and implementing simple safeguards, you can stay one step ahead of attackers.

Want to learn more? Get access to our quick, actionable videos to help your entire team recognize scams before they happen.

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