Among the various forms of cyberattacks, phishing – a scamming method that tricks users into supplying sensitive information that hackers can use to access important accounts or compromise data – repeatedly reigns as a top technique. In fact, recent research revealed that 156 million phishing emails are sent every single day, and 16 million make it through filters.
Here are 4 of the most common formats that phishing can take in terms of general framework:
1. Invoice Scams
This scamming method involves the attacker impersonating a supplier, partner company or bank provider and sending an email that claims your organization has an outstanding invoice.
From there, the email will request that you click an attached link or enter payment system credentials, thus providing the attacker with access to your organizations’ bank account and funds.
2. Download Scams
The phishing format requires the backer to impersonate a trusted contact of your organization and send an email that requests the recipient to click on an attached link to be redirected to a website or download an important attachment.
However, doing so results in the hacker being able to download malicious software onto the recipient’s device and gain access to sensitive data.
3. Compromised Account Scams
In this method, the cyber-criminal impersonates a third-party company and sends an email claiming that your organization’s account with the company has been compromised.
The email requires the recipient to log in and reset the password to their account, which then provides the cyber-criminal with access to your organization’s sensitive account information.
4. Payment and Delivery Scams
This form of phishing occurs when the hacker impersonates a legitimate supplier or vendor that your organization recently placed an order with and sends an email claiming you need to update your organization’s payment information before your order can be delivered.
By responding to the email, your organization’s payment information and funding will be compromised.
Cyber Assessments:
With the increased usage of technology in people’s lives to stay connected while mostly working from home, cybersecurity threats have also become a growing issue and require proper assessments to manage any security gaps and risks that can harm your business.
Therefore, it’s important to conduct proper cyber assessments to mitigate the possibility of having your company’s cybersecurity system breached.
Get a FREE Cyber Risk Assessment to see if you're properly protecting your business from cyber risks:
