Accidentally clicked on a phishing link, what now?

Written by:
Leo Hoogma, 3 June 2024

One of the biggest challenges in combating phishing attacks is that employees are reluctant to admit that they have clicked on a phishing link. There are several reasons why this happens, such as shame or not realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Especially if the employee has had thorough cybersecurity training, he or she may feel ashamed of the fact that they have fallen victim to a phishing attack. The employee fears the possible consequences, or is afraid of being considered negligent by the employer.

Reticence in reporting phishing attacks hinders damage control
Employees may also be reluctant to report phishing incidents because they do not fully understand how serious the situation is. But they don't realize that failure to report a suspicious email or phishing link can lead to greater damage to the company, such as data breaches, financial losses or reputational damage.

What is a phishing attack?

Phishing attacks aim to trick individuals into reveal confidential information, such as login details, financial data or personal information. These attacks often come in the form of emails, where the sender pretends to be a trusted entity, such as a bank, a colleague, a superior or a government agency. These emails often contain links to fake websites or malware attachments, which if clicked can steal sensitive data or compromise the computer system.

Accidentally clicked on "wrong link"? Report it!
It is vital that employees are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activity to the company IT specialist. These notifications allow IT teams to respond quickly and take appropriate action to prevent further damage. This can include blocking suspicious websites, applying security updates and alerting other employees to remain vigilant.

Additionally, reporting phishing incidents provides valuable learning opportunities for both individual employees and the broader workforce. By talking openly about phishing attacks and how to spot them, employees can increase their awareness and strengthen their ability to identify and avoid future threats.

The importance of thorough cybersecurity training
Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing and ongoing challenges facing businesses worldwide world. Phishing, one of the most common forms of cyber attacks, remains a threat to organizations of all sizes. It is therefore important that you, as an employer, invest in adequate cybersecurity training for your employees, with a specific focus on recognizing phishing attacks.

Cybersecurity training is not only focused on recognizing phishing attacks, but also on the importance of reporting suspicious activities. This includes creating a corporate culture where employees feel comfortable reporting incidents without fear of negative consequences. Through continuous education, simulation training and emphasizing the crucial role that employees play in protecting company data, you as a company can build an informed defense against phishing and other online threats.

What can Hoogma Webdesign do for the security of your company?

As an internet and mail specialist, implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) in combination with DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a powerful action we take to protect our customers against cybersecurity threats, such as phishing.

We are also happy to help you if you are unsure whether the message you have received is legitimate or whether it is a lucrative phishing attack. We will look with you and advise you based on our experience and expertise. We also regularly share practical and current advice through our blog and our social media channels.

Hoogma Webdesign is known for its neat websites with good service. We are happy to help you as an entrepreneur find your way in the digital world! Call 0597-855758 or email support@hoogmawebdesign.com for the answer to your question.

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