New Phishing Threats: Vishing and Quishing Explained
Any business owner in the modern world already knows about phishing. This fraudulent tactic uses deceptive emails to fool recipients into revealing personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. Now, two new forms of phishing—vishing and quishing—are emerging as major threats. Here's what every business owner needs to know to stay ahead.
What Is Vishing? The Business of Voice-Phishing
Vishing, or voice phishing, uses “voice” methods instead of emails. It often involves cybercriminals posing as government agents, employers, or trusted business contacts over the phone. They aim to convince victims to reveal personal information like passwords or banking details.
How Does Vishing Affect Your Business?
Hackers can impersonate your business, targeting your customers through fake calls. These vishing scams could ask customers to download software, click on fake emails, or visit counterfeit websites, ultimately installing malware on their devices. For example, a scammer pretending to be your bank could warn customers of frozen accounts and request sensitive financial information. If this happens, your business could lose customer trust due to stolen data. Protect your company's reputation and safeguard customer data with proactive network security solutions.
What Is Quishing? The Business of QR-Phishing
Quishing, or QR-phishing, tricks people into scanning fraudulent QR codes. After scanning, users are directed to fake login pages designed to steal their credentials.
How Does Quishing Affect Your Business?
Imagine a cybercriminal mimicking your business’s email layout and sending out a seemingly legitimate message to your customers. The email could include a fake QR code, promoting a sale or resolving a "lost shipment." If your customers scan the code and enter their login information, their data—and possibly your company’s sensitive details—could be compromised.
How To Protect Your Business From Phishing Threats
To defend against vishing and quishing, it’s essential to train employees to recognize and respond to these threats. Ensure they:
- Never click on links or scan QR codes from unknown sources.
- Verify any suspicious requests before taking action, especially if someone demands urgent action.
- Use secure software and browsers to avoid vulnerabilities.
Additionally, invest in advanced cybersecurity tools. Consider enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary form of authentication. Regular security awareness training for employees can also help you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Keep your company secure by signing up for our weekly cybersecurity tips to stay informed of the latest phishing tactics.
For expert advice on building a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, schedule a discovery call with us today and ensure your business is prepared to tackle these emerging threats.
