Emails: The most common way of starting a Phishing Attack

Email is the most common type of threat vector, and 23% of people click on malicious emails. It only takes one click for your whole network to be compromised which is why it has become the cybercriminals favourite weapon. 

91% of cyber attacks start with an email and as a business it is important to be aware of the different types of phishing emails cyber criminals use to target organisations. In today’s digital age, where information is power, phishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and organisations alike.

This infographic highlights the most commonly used Phishing Attack methods to enable you to spot them and protect your business:

The Most Common Types of Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their tactics to bypass traditional security measures. At Simpson Associates, we’ve identified the following key types of phishing attacks:

1. Bulk Phishing 

Bulk phishing is the most common type of phishing attack where the hacker sends out the same phishing email to a wide net of victims. This type of phishing attack has a very low success rate but it relies on the fact that at least some out of the thousands of potential victims will take the bait. These attacks are not very complex and are easy to detect. While the success rate may be low, a single click can have devastating consequences.

2. Spear Phishing 

Unlike Bulk Phishing, spear phishing targets specific individuals in an organisation. Spear phishing also uses generic email phishing tactics to get their victims to click on a link that will give hackers access to their private data. Individuals like Finance Managers, IT and HR professionals are the most common targets of a spear phishing attack. Hackers often research their victims, crafting personalised emails that appear to come from legitimate sources.

3. Whaling 

Whaling takes spear phishing to the next level, targeting high-profile executives like CEOs and CFOs. By impersonating trusted individuals or organisations, attackers can trick victims into revealing sensitive information.

4. Vishing 

Vishing is the type of phishing where the attacker uses a VOIP system or a phone to lure their victims. In a vishing call the potential victim might be asked to give away personal information like their full name, address or credit card information.

5. Smishing

Smishing are the kind of attacks where the attacker tries to mislead the potential victim through a series of text messages. These messages might include a link that would be used to steal the victims information. A smishing attack could also appear to be an urgent query from someone asking the victim to give out their personal information.

Advanced email phishing attacks remain the most problematic cyber security issue that organisations face today.

With all of these different Phishing scams out there, it is important to be vigilant when going through your inbox. From being aware of suspicious links and verifying the information every step matters and it could save your business from becoming a victim to these scams.

Protecting Your Digital Domain

Whilst Secure Email Gateways remain a critical security layer, the MDR for Email service complements existing software, providing another layer of endpoint protection that operates from inside the mailbox itself. Simpson Associates offers a comprehensive approach to combat phishing attacks. Our advanced email security solutions filter out malicious emails, preventing them from reaching your inbox. We empower your workforce with knowledge about phishing tactics through employee awareness training, enabling them to identify and report suspicious emails. In the event of a security breach, our expert team is ready to respond swiftly, minimising damage and restoring normal operations.

By partnering with Simpson Associates, you can fortify your digital defenses and protect your organisation from the ever-evolving threat of phishing attacks. Have questions about how to protect your business? Chat with one of our experts today.