The convenience of technology comes hand in hand with potential risks, one of which is the threat of
phishing. You might have heard the term before, but what exactly is phishing? In this blog, we’ll shed
light on this concept, helping you understand what it is, why it’s concerning, and how you can
protect yourself.

What is Phishing?

Imagine receiving an email, text message, or even a social media message that appears to be from a
legitimate source you trust, like your bank, an online shopping site, or a social platform. This
message might ask you to provide sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or even
your social security number. But here’s the catch: the message is actually a trap set by
cybercriminals. This deceptive technique of posing as a trustworthy entity to steal your personal
information is what we call “phishing”

The Bait and the Hook

Phishing attacks are like modern-day fishing expeditions. The attacker carefully crafts a message
designed to grab your attention and provoke an emotional response. This might be a notification of
a fraudulent charge on your credit card, an urgent request to verify your account, or even an
enticing offer that seems too good to be true. The ultimate goal is to make you act without thinking
twice.

Why It’s Concerning

Phishing attacks have serious implications for both individuals and businesses. Falling victim to a
phishing scam can result in identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorised access to your accounts.
For businesses, a successful phishing attack can lead to data breaches, compromising customer
information and damaging the company’s reputation.

The Psychology Behind Phishing

Cybercriminals are very aware of human psychology. They exploit our emotions – fear, curiosity,
dedication – to manipulate us into taking action. By creating a sense of urgency or appealing to our
desire for rewards, they increase the likelihood of us falling into their trap. It’s essential to
remember that these attackers aren’t relying on complex technology; they’re banking on our natural
responses.

Protecting Yourself

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from phishing attacks:

1. Be sceptical: Always question unexpected messages asking for personal or financial
information. Double-check the sender’s email address and the message’s content.

2. Don’t click hurriedly: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown
sources. Hover your cursor over links to see the actual web address before clicking.

3. Verify requests: If you receive a message urging you to take immediate action,
independently verify its authenticity by contacting the organisation directly through official
channels.

4. Stay updated: Keep your devices, operating systems, and security software up to date.
These updates often include patches to fix vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.

5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phishing tactics. Knowledge is your best
defence.

How can Q2Q help?

1) We can deploy our Anti-spam system that detects all these types of threats, and

2) Staff training in the form of both simulated emails to determine who is at risk and who needs
help identifying emails, as well as training to better educate staff on the tactics that
attackers use.

Phishing might sound like a minor inconvenience, but its potential impact is far from trivial. By
understanding the basics of phishing and being cautious in your online interactions, you can
safeguard your personal information and contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone.
Remember, staying vigilant doesn’t require technical expertise – it just takes a healthy dose of
scepticism and a willingness to learn.

Get in touch and we’ll talk you through what’s the best solution for your business. Call us on 01524
581690 or drop us an email [email protected]