Phishing Protection Tips for Cumbria Businesses
Imagine receiving an email that appears to come from a supplier in Carlisle, urgently requesting payment confirmation. You click the link – and suddenly, your business is at risk. In fact, phishing – a cybercrime where attackers use deceptive emails to steal sensitive information – isn’t just a global issue; it’s a growing problem right here in Cumbria. Moreover, from Carlisle to Workington, businesses are increasingly targeted by these scams. At JJM Networks, based in Carlisle, we’ve seen this threat first-hand. This guide offers practical steps to protect your business and explains how we can support you in staying secure.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a sneaky, cunning scam where cybercriminals pose as trusted sources – like banks, HMRC, or even a coworker – to trick you into revealing sensitive info like passwords or bank details. These attacks often slip unnoticed into Cumbria inboxes through emails, texts, or fake websites carefully designed to look convincingly real.
Why it's a threat to Cumbria Businesses
From Penrith to Whitehaven, Cumbria businesses face rising phishing risks as cybercriminals’ tactics get slicker and more deceptive. Remote working, widespread in our region’s scattered rural communities, increases your vulnerability. Without solid defences, a single phishing email could cost a Cumbria business dearly in lost money or stolen data.
Phishing Protection Tips:
Here are five practical tips to protect your Cumbria business from phishing:
- Employee Training:
Train your Cumbria team to recognise phishing signs, like strange sender emails, urgent requests, or poor grammar. Local awareness helps staff stay sharp and protects your business from scams targeting our region’s trusting communities. - Email Filtering:
Deploy advanced email security to block phishing threats before they reach your inbox. JJM Networks provides solutions tailored for Cumbria businesses, keeping your email safe from cybercriminals lurking in today’s digital landscape. - Multi-Factor Authentication:
Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts with multi-factor authentication. Even if a password is stolen, MFA ensures Cumbria businesses stay secure against phishing attempts targeting sensitive data. - Regular Updates:
Keep your software and systems updated with the latest patches. Outdated technology attracts phishing attacks, leaving Cumbria businesses vulnerable to cybercriminals exploiting old weaknesses in our connected world. - Verify Requests:
Don’t trust unexpected emails requesting money or info – always verify them using known contacts. This habit is crucial for Cumbria’s close-knit firms to avoid falling for phishing scams.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attempt
If an email seems off, act quickly and smartly:
- Don’t Engage:
Don’t click links, open attachments, or reply to a suspicious email. Doing so might unleash malware or let scammers know your address is active, putting your Cumbria business at greater risk. - Inspect the Source:
Examine the sender’s email address for anything unusual, like extra letters or odd endings. Real domains like hmrc.gov.uk won’t match fakes such as [email protected] targeting Cumbria inboxes. - Confirm Legitimacy:
Reach out to the supposed sender using contact details from their official website, not the email itself. This ensures you verify if it’s genuine or a phishing scam hitting Cumbria firms. - Report Suspicion:
Forward suspicious emails to [email protected], a free NCSC service fighting phishing nationwide. JJM Networks can also help Cumbria businesses assess threats and block them swiftly.
What to Do If You’ve Been Phished
If phishing catches your business off guard, act fast with these steps to limit damage and regain control:
- Disconnect Immediately:
If you suspect your device has been remotely accessed unplug it from the internet right away to stop further damage. This limits cybercriminals’ access to your systems, protecting your system from deeper data theft or malware spread. - Change Passwords:
Reset passwords for affected accounts immediately using a different, secure device. Use strong, unique passwords to lock out attackers and keep your Cumbria business’s sensitive information safe from further breaches. - Notify Your Bank:
Contact your bank or financial provider at once if money’s involved. Quick action can freeze accounts or reverse transactions, saving your Cumbria business from phishing-related financial losses. - Report and Get Help:
Contact your IT team or JJM Networks about the breach for urgent support. Report it to Action Fraud too as this helps businesses fight back against phishing criminals.
Partner with JJM Networks Today
Phishing scams are growing fast. Don’t wait until your business gets tricked. JJM Networks, your local cybersecurity partner, helps Cumbria companies stay safe. We use a mix of email protection, staff training, and develop you a cybersecurity strategy to keep threats at bay in today’s online world. Ready to get started? Book a free security assessment by calling 01228 642956 or using our contact form – we’re here to help you every step of the way!
To find out more information about our cyber security solutions click here.
Related Links:
NCSC Cyber Threat Report – UK Legal Sector
