Words by Charlotte Garner, Marketing Intern and Bryn Hawkins, Cyber Security Specialist.
Phishing might sound like a peaceful day by the river, but in cybercrime, it’s a murky swamp of unseen dangers. Cybercriminals cast their lines through emails, texts, and social media messages, reeling in unsuspecting victims—and they’re catching plenty. In this article, Simoda will explain phishing, delve into its history, and teach you how to prevent it.
The Phishy Business of Cybercrime
But what is Phishing? Well, Phishing is the act of sending deceptive communications to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. You know the drill: you get an email from “Your Bank” with an alarming subject line; “URGENT: Your Account Has Been Compromised!” and a link that promises to set everything right. Click that link, and you might as well hand over your keys and wallet to a pickpocket. But how did this all start?
The Evolution of Phishing: Amateur Scams to Sophisticated Schemes
In the “good” old days, phishing emails were laughably bad, riddled with spelling errors and sent from email addresses claiming to be royalty. Surprisingly, many people fell for them. However, phishing schemes have become frighteningly sophisticated over the years.
In 2018, phishing was responsible for 90% of data breaches. By 2021, the number of detected phishing sites exceeded 2 million annually.
Fast forward to 2023, phishing scams accounted for over 80% of reported security incidents, according to KnowBe4. Cybercriminals now craft messages that mimic real companies with logos and proper grammar, making these slick operations more West End production than primary school play.
KnowBe4 to the Rescue: Because Ignorance Isn’t Bliss
Enter KnowBe4, our choice in Cyber Security training. They’ve made it their mission to educate the masses about phishing and cybercrime.
Their approach is simple yet effective: train people to spot phishing attempts before they click. KnowBe4 offers a plethora of resources, from webinars to whitepapers, all designed to make you a cyber-savvy individual who wouldn’t dream of clicking on a dodgy link.
The Numbers Game: Why Cybercrime is on the Rise
Now, let’s throw some stats at you because nothing says “wake up” like a barrage of numbers. Phishing attacks have been on the rise, and it’s not just because cybercriminals are bored. The world is more connected than ever, and with great connectivity comes great responsibility—or, in the case of cybercriminals, great opportunity.
Every year, billions (yes, billions) of phishing emails are sent. With Google alone blocking around 100 million phishing emails daily, suggesting the sheer scale of these attacks. The success rate might be low, but when you’re casting such a wide net, you’re bound to catch a few. And the consequences? Financial loss, identity theft, and compromised business operations.
Simoda: Your Partner in Cyber Defence
At Simoda, we’re not just standing on the side lines, we’re in the trenches with you, armed with the latest in cyber defence technology and a team of experts who can sniff out a phishing attempt faster than you can say “dodgy email”.
We partner with KnowBe4 to ensure that our clients are not only protected but also educated. After all, the best defence is a good offence, and a well-informed workforce is a formidable barrier against cybercrime.
What You Can Do
Let’s be real. Most companies have tiny cyber departments, sometimes just one person! As much as we’d love to think they’re cyber superheroes, they need to eat, sleep, and take holidays. They simply can’t guard the business 24/7.
The most effective and affordable solution is partnering with companies who specialise in Cyber Security. This ensures your entire workforce is educated, not just the cyber team. That’s our specialty at Simoda, and we highly recommend it to any business wary of phishing.
There you have it—tips to keep cyber sharks at bay. Stay alert, stay informed, and if in doubt, reach out. Simoda’s here to protect you against the cyber world. Until next time, stay safe online, and remember: if it looks phishy, it probably is.
