Different Faces of Online Spam – Protect Your Business

As 2021 draws to a close, businesses are returning to their offices after a long period of working from home. Remote working has been a challenge for some employees, but many found it relieving because it allows them to work from the comfort of their homes.

Besides workers making the most of businesses moving online, hackers had quite the opportunity as well. As employees started working from home, hackers could access businesses via vulnerable networks. Although businesses tried to secure their employees’ networks, ensuring full-proof security from each employee’s end wasn’t possible. As employees return to their workspace, it is essential to educate them about the risks of cyberattacks. Today, we will discuss some types of online spam and tips to protect your business and employees.

1. Phishing

You probably have heard about phishing, as it is one of the common forms of spam. Cybercriminals target employees through email, web ads, social media chat, and websites. Your employees may receive hundreds of emails from cybercriminals impersonating an organization or person. Phishing messages create fear or urgency to grab the information and data from the user. Your employees may receive phishing messages from a major corporation, the government, or a hacker impersonating a bank.

2. Vishing

The only difference between Phishing and Vishing is the way of communication. Unlike phishing, cyber-criminal contact the user over the phone and create a sense of urgency. The scammers will ask your employees for personal information. Also, they can impersonate an IT service company and ask for access to the computer, warning them about a threat or virus. Once the cybercriminal collects data from businesses, they use it for illegal means, such as blackmailing or accessing critical data.

3. Baiting

Baiting is another type of spam, which is similar to phishing. In this spam type, the cybercriminal will offer something exciting in exchange for private data or information. There are different types of baiting spam, such as files, movies, or music downloads. Some of your employees may also receive emails subjected as Executive Salary Summary Q2. When your employees unknowingly download the file, malicious software infects the device providing access to the hacker. Keep in mind that cybercriminals can move throughout the network once they enter through a single network point. Therefore, they can hack your entire network in a matter of time.

4. Quid Pro Quo

Your employees may also receive a phone call or email requesting login credentials or critical data in replacement of service. The hacker will pose as a technology expert and offer free IT assistance. If you find the offer too good to be true, it might be a quid pro quo.

Tips to Avoid Online Spam

1. Slow Down

Spammers create a sense of urgency because they don’t want users thinking before taking action. Educate your employees to think carefully before opening such a message. Ask them to decide after considering every possible outcome.

2. Research the Facts

When your employees react without evaluating the nature of an email, they fall into the trap. Therefore, ask them to be cautious about any unsolicited messages. Help them identify dangerous emails and teach them how to research the authenticity of the email or call.

3. Beware of any Download

Explain to your employees why they shouldn’t download any file from the internet if they don’t know the sender. Ask them to ignore every email that seems suspicious.

Conclusion

Following the above-mentioned tips can help you educate your employees in a better way. Also, create an IT security team that creates presentations and conducts meetings to explain the risk of cyber threats to employees. When your employees are aware of threats, they can take precautionary measures and prevent any attempt of cyberattack.