Email scams – unlike a shark on the prowl – are more insidious and dangerous than many realise. It really is all too easy to fall prey, especially when the scammer has crafted a message that appears as if it’s coming from a trusted source. In fact, one of our IT support clients in Surrey told us what a close call they had with some email trickery the other day, which, had they not heard (and of course heeded) our regular cyber security advice, could have resulted in a potentially disastrous outcome.
Email scammers are getting even smarter
Whilst it might feel like we’re keeping one step ahead, the truth is that email scammers are continually refining their approach as well. They’ve honed their skills to such an extent that even a slight lapse in vigilance can lead to a click that you immediately wish you hadn’t done. The sophistication of these scams is not merely in the convincing nature of the emails but also in the strategic targeting of unsuspecting recipients who may not be fully aware of the red flags. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, these cyber security bad actors are getting super smart, and their methods are evolving in tandem with advances in digital communication.
Our Surrey client’s experience is becoming standard and sadly all too common. They received an email that, at first glance, appeared to be from a reputable organisation. The message was professionally composed, replete with accurate branding and even a convincing signature. Fortunately, we are well and truly on the cyber security fan bus, and by association, you could say our clients are too. In this case, they paused, took a second look at the email and, recognising subtle inconsistencies, refrained from clicking on the suspicious link. It was indeed a close call.
Understanding the Sophistication of Email Scams
It is important to understand how these scams have evolved from the crude, poorly written messages of your well-known “prince” of yesteryear, into the soave and convincing communications we see today. Modern email scams are a perfect blend of social engineering and technological finesse. Cyber criminals are adept at exploiting human nature – our inherent trust, our need for prompt action, and even our curiosity.
In many cases, these scams start with a seemingly benign email that uses the guise of urgency. You might receive a message claiming that your bank account has been compromised or that an urgent update is required for your company’s IT system. It might even be an urgent request for a quote for services (as in the case of our client). The language is carefully chosen to evoke the desired response, prompting you to act quickly without the benefit of a second thought. This is where the danger lies: the very act of haste can lead to errors in judgement.
You could also think by the look of the email and the apparent email address, that this communication is indeed from a genuine source. Not so. This is the whole point – to trick you into trusting, and into acting. Cyber criminals, are criminals, but they are also clearly good students, and they do their homework. They will include details relevant to your business or personal circumstances. This level of detail both builds trust and also lowers your guard, making you more susceptible to the CLICK!
To convince you even further, many of these scams incorporate links that lead to websites crafted to look identical to the real ones. Once you enter your login credentials or other sensitive information, it is handed over to the scammer and you are done. This kind of data breach can result in everything from unauthorised transactions to a complete takeover of your digital identity. And while this may sound like something that only large corporations would be targeted by, the reality is that no business is too small to be considered an attractive (or easy) target.
The rise in the sophistication of email scams is not just a matter of refined design; it is also indicative of a broader shift in the cyber security landscape. The proliferation of remote working, increased reliance on digital communication and a general underestimation of cyber risks have created a perfect storm for cyber criminals. The situation calls for an equally sophisticated and proactive approach to cyber security – one that involves continuous education, rigorous protocols and, above all, a healthy dose of scepticism, particularly when it comes to unsolicited emails.
OK, so how do you protect your business from email scams?
Well, whether you are one of our IT Support clients or not, you can sign up to our cyber security support services, including email protection. However, given the ever-present nature of these threats, it would be downright mean of us, not to share key, actionable steps you and your business can take to guard against falling foul of the scammers.
1. Scrutinise Every Email
Yawn – we know. But this is the attitude that the scammers are relying upon. Taking a moment to give all emails you receive a quick once over, could save a lifetime of pain and regret. Ok, maybe not a lifetime, but it’s not easy to de-couple yourself (or your business) from a cyber attack. However, your general caution should go straight to DefCon One, if you receive a message that seems urgent or out of character, too good to be true or just perfect timing.
If in any doubt, check the sender’s email address carefully – often, scam emails will come from addresses that are only slightly different from those of legitimate organisations. It is also worth hovering over any embedded links to see the actual URL before clicking. If anything appears amiss, it is best to report the email to your IT department or a trusted cyber security professional, like those in the PJ team.
2. Educate Yourself and Your Team
We cannot stress this enough. It only takes one slip of human error or judgement for your well-oiled cyber security measures to be circumvented. Most IT support companies don’t like to tell you things like this – but it’s true. Unless your employees are fully trained and aware of the risks and the consequences, you have literally left a big gaping hole in your cyber security defences. OK, maybe we are exaggerating a little, but the premise is sound. Don’t let all your effort and investment in cyber security measures become a cropper at the hands of, well, your hands. That said, the opposite is also true. There is no point training your staff to be aware of cyber security risks if you have no other measures or support in place. So…
3. Implement Robust Security Protocols
Consider utilising multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing your email and other critical systems. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond just your password, thereby making it more difficult for scammers to gain unauthorised access. Moreover, businesses should have a clear and tested incident response plan in place. In the event of a security breach, a well-documented plan can make all the difference in mitigating damage and restoring normal operations swiftly. If this sounds all a bit too techy for you, then we understand. Cyber security is a particularly techy area. Fortunately, we are experts in providing cyber security services and support to our clients, and you know where we are if you need us.
4. Keep Your Software (your everything) Up-to-Date
Regular updates to your operating system, email client and security software are a simple yet effective defence against many cyber threats. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities, which scammers and other cyber criminals could exploit. By keeping your systems current, you reduce the risk of falling victim to an attack that preys on outdated security measures. It’s simple, not updating things is again like leaving a great big hole in the side of a ship. The rest of the ship might be sound, but the water WILL get in (as will the sharks).
5. Regularly Back-Up Your Data
Yes this is for the “closing the stable door after the horse has bolted” scenario. Somehow, those slippery little suckers have weaselled their way into to your business’ systems and data (and possibly your bank account). Not ideal, but if you have robust back up processes in place, you’re not totally down for the count. Back-ups allow you to restore your systems and data should they – for any reason – be compromised. We advise clients to maintain both on-site and off-site backups, ensuring that their data is secure and accessible even in the event of a significant security breach or other business continuity issue. It might not fix everything, but it’ll get your business back up and running as quickly as possible, saving you time, money and hopefully any potential harm to your reputation.
6. Get your business properly protected with managed Cyber Security services from PurpleJelly
Nah, we’re not above a shameless plug, even in an educational blog post like this one. We are more than just your friendly IT support business based in Surrey, we are accredited cyber security experts. Our range of cyber security services provide our clients with the protection, support, guidance and back up that their business needs in today’s increasingly “shark-infested waters”. Yeah, we love a metaphor or two!
Staying safe in the world of phishy (and fishy) emails
In reflecting on the experience of our Surrey client, you can rest assured that even the most convincing scams can be thwarted with technology, knowledge and awareness. Remember, you are not alone in the battle against cyber threats. Our team is always on hand to offer advice and support, ensuring that your business remains secure and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
