5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Phishing

Phishing is the #1 way hackers break into small businesses. Over 90% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email, and just one successful attack can cost a business more than $150,000. For many SMBs, that’s enough to cause serious lasting damage. The good news is phishing is one of the easiest cyber threats to prevent. If you look for and have the right protections in place.

What is Phishing?

Phishing happens when attackers trick you or your employees into clicking malicious links, opening fake attachments, or sharing login credentials. These emails often look like they’re from banks, vendors, or even coworkers. However, they are designed to steal sensitive information or gain access to your systems.

It’s a form of social engineering that relies on deception, not hacking skills. Once an attacker gets in, they can steal data, spread malware, or even launch a ransomware attack that locks down your entire operation.

 The Real Risks for Small Businesses

Phishing isn’t just an IT problem; it’s a business problem.

A single email can lead to:

• Financial loss: The average phishing attack on a small business can cost over $150,000.
• Downtime: Once systems are infected, recovery can take days or even weeks.
• Loss of trust: Customers and partners may hesitate to work with a business that’s been breached.
• Compliance violations: In regulated industries like healthcare or finance, data breaches can trigger fines and investigations.

Most small businesses underestimate phishing until it’s too late.

5 Smart Ways to Avoid Phishing

1. Check the sender. Watch for misspelled names or unfamiliar email domains.

2. Be cautious with urgent requests. ”Act now” or “verify immediately” are common tricks.

3. Hover before you click. Always check where a link leads before opening it.

4. Enable MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication). This blocks over 99% of stolen password attacks.

5. Train your team. Awareness is your best defense; even the best tools can’t protect against a careless click.