Stop Phishing in Its Tracks
Four Quick Email Security Fixes You Can Do Today
Your inbox is the front line of your business’s cybersecurity. A single click on a cleverly disguised phishing email can lead to devastating data breaches, operational downtime, and a massive hit to your reputation. The good news? You do not need to be a tech expert to build a formidable first line of defense.
According to a recent Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, email is a primary vector for cyberattacks, with phishing involved in over a third of all breaches. The goal is simple: to trick a busy employee into giving up login credentials or installing malware.
Here are four practical steps you can implement today to dramatically reduce your risk.
1. Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Think of MFA as a deadbolt for your digital doors. Even if a hacker steals a password, they cannot get in without that second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
- Action Item: Go into your core business applications, especially email (like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace), banking, and CRM, and turn on MFA. It is often found in security settings. This one action can prevent 99.9% of attacks on your accounts.
2. Master the “Hover Test”
Phishers often hide malicious links behind innocent-looking text. Before you click anything, especially in an email that creates a sense of urgency, hover your mouse cursor over the link.
- Action Item: A small window will appear showing the true web address. Look for misspellings, strange domains, or anything that does not match the sender’s claimed identity. If it looks suspicious, do not click. Report it.
3. Run a Simulated Phishing Test
Awareness is your best weapon. The most effective way to train your team is to show them what a modern phishing attempt looks like, in a safe, controlled environment.
- Action Item: Use a platform like Sophos or the built-in simulator in Microsoft 365 to send a fake (but realistic) phishing email to your staff. It is a powerful, eye-opening exercise that turns theoretical knowledge into practical skill.
4. Strengthen Your Human Firewall
Technology alone cannot solve the phishing problem. It requires a culture of security. For a deeper dive into creating a resilient human firewall, explore our guide on building a security-first culture.
- Action Item: Lead by Example. A security-first culture starts at the top and resonates throughout your entire organization. Good security posture is contagious, especially when leadership embraces it.
These four fixes are a powerful start, but a comprehensive defense requires a layered strategy.
👉 Is your business’s first line of defense as strong as it could be? Schedule a complimentary Security Posture Assessment with our experts to identify and close your critical vulnerabilities before they become a crisis.
