Callback phishing scams are one of the worst cyberattacks you can encounter. It is devastating to experience on a personal level. But it is even more disastrous if it happens to your organization. To help you, here is a guide covering how callback phishing works and the steps you should take to address it.
How Does Callback Phishing Work?
A callback phishing attack usually starts with the victim receiving an email. It will typically say that their payment is due for a subscription service or that they’ve already been charged.
That will confuse or anger the recipient, pushing them to call the number stated in the email. A threat actor will take their call and pretend to help them cancel the fake subscription. The victim doesn’t know they are installing malware on their computer by following the steps. That gives the threat actor access to their sensitive information.
How to Safeguard Your Organization Against Callback Phishing
A successful callback phishing attack will cause irreparable damage to your organization. Here are some ways to protect your critical data from these campaigns:
Look Out for Telltale Phishing Signs
Callback phishing emails usually don’t have malicious links or attachments to appear more
believable. But there are still telltale signs that set them apart from regular emails. Be wary of emails from “egitimate” companies that don’t have a business email address. Most trustworthy companies will invest in a branded email address.
Other signs you should watch out for are spelling and grammatical errors. No legitimate
company would send out unprofessional-sounding emails to their valued customers. Also, be suspicious of emails that give you a short timeframe to complete a task (e.g., saying you only have a couple of hours to make a payment).
As a general rule of thumb, be careful of emails that involve money or ask for login credentials. Consider it even more suspicious if the email lacks information except for a “customer service” number.
Tighten Your Email Security
No matter how careful you are of callback phishing emails, it never hurts to have extra security. An email security solution is one of the best ways to protect your organization.
These robust tools can identify and block phishing, spoofing, and other email scams. They also prevent malware installation on your computer and alert you of suspicious activity. There are various email suites on the market. Choose one that best fits your budget and security needs.
Train Your Employees
The success of a callback phishing attack depends on human error. One wrong decision from an employee can cost you your entire business. That’s why employee training is crucial. Teach your staff the dangers of callback phishing attacks, how to spot suspicious emails, and other data security best practices.
The Bottom Line
Business owners shouldn’t take callback phishing attacks lightly. Negligence will lead to the loss of intellectual property and critical data. It will also damage your organization’s reputation and disrupt regular business operations. Protect your business by staying vigilant and cultivating awareness among your employees.
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