Businesses need to be on high alert for new phishing scams in 2022. There are a number of new tactics scammers are using, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can protect your business. In this article, we will go over the latest phishing scams and how to stay ahead of them. We also provide some helpful tips on how to keep your business safe from scammers.
Smishing
This is where scammers send out phishing links via SMS text messages. This can be especially effective because people are more likely to click on a link from a text message than an email. Unfortunately, this method is also difficult to detect and can be very costly for businesses. Let’s take a look at some common red flags associated with smishing that can help you recognize when you might be getting scammed:
- You receive a text message from an unknown number
- The text message contains a sense of urgency
- The text message asks you to click on a link
- The text message looks suspicious or contains grammatical errors
If you receive a text message that meets any of the above criteria, it’s best to delete it and not click on the link.
Fake Shipping Notices
Another new phishing scam that has emerged is fake shipping notices. With the rise in online shopping during COVID, scammers are taking advantage of people’s desire to get their hands on packages as quickly as possible. They do this by sending out fake shipping notices that contain phishing links. These emails can be difficult to spot because they often look legitimate. However, there are some key things to look out for:
- The email is from an unknown sender
- The email contains grammatical errors
- The email asks you to click on a link
If you receive an email that meets any of the above criteria, it’s best to delete it and not click on the link.
Whaling
Another new phishing tactic that businesses need to be aware of is whaling. This is where scammers target high-level executives within an organization in an attempt to gain access to sensitive information. These attacks can be very costly because they often result in data breaches. Whaling attacks are often difficult to detect because they are very targeted. However, there are some common red flags associated with these attacks:
- You receive an email from an unknown sender
- The email is addressed to a high-level executive
- The email requests access to sensitive information
If you receive an email that meets any of the above criteria, it’s best to delete it and not click on any links.
Fake Invoice Scams
Another new phishing scam that businesses need to be aware of is fake invoice scams. With this type of scam, scammers will send out fake invoices in an attempt to get your payment information. These attacks can be difficult to detect because the emails often look legitimate. However, there are some key things to look for:
- You receive an invoice from an unknown sender
- The amount owed is unexpected or seems too high
- The invoice contains grammatical errors
If you receive an invoice that meets any of the above criteria, it’s best to delete it and not provide any payment information.
Spear Phishing or Targeted Email Fraud
Another new type of phishing scam in 2022 is “spear phishing.” This is where scammers target a specific individual or organization in an attempt to gain access to sensitive information. These attacks can be difficult to detect because they are very targeted. However, there are some common red flags associated with these attacks:
- You receive an email from an unknown sender
- The email is addressed to a specific individual or organization
- The email contains grammatical errors
If you receive an email that meets any of the above criteria, it’s best to delete it and not click on any links.
General Best Practices For Staying Ahead of Scammers
There are some general best practices you can follow to stay ahead of scammers:
- Never click on a link or attachment if you don’t know the sender
- Look closely at email addresses closely to determine if the sender is legitimate
- Never provide personal details or cc information over text or email
- Get security awareness training for your staff
Unfortunately following these practices won’t always keep you safe from new phishing attacks. If you are concerned about continuing new phishing techniques, working with a professional might be best for your business.
How INSC Can Help Keep Your Business Safe
Innovative Network Solutions is always looking out for new threats and developing new ways to protect our clients. We offer a variety of services that can help keep your business safe. If you are concerned about your business’s cybersecurity, or new phishing attacks and scams, contact us today.