(713)-970-1016 support@gomyitguy.com
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Submit a Support Ticket
  • ScreenConnect Session
  • Client Login
My IT Guy
  • Home
  • IT Support
    • Managed IT Services
      • Managed IT Services Houston
      • Managed IT Services Austin
      • Managed IT Services San Antonio TX
      • Managed IT Services Dallas
      • Managed IT Services San Angelo TX
      • Managed IT Services Midland TX
      • Managed IT Services Odessa TX
    • Business IT Services
      • IT Consulting
      • Remote IT Support
      • On-Demand IT Services
      • Office Move IT Services
      • Emergency IT Support
      • Flat Rate IT Support
      • HIPAA-Compliant IT Services
      • HIPAA-Compliant Data Backup
    • Server Support
      • Server Support and Monitoring
      • Server Virtualization
      • Virtual Private Cloud Solutions
    • Computer Troubleshooting
      • Computer Repair Services
      • Computer Technician
      • Malware Removal
      • Remote Help Desk Support
    • Technology Consulting
      • Cloud Desktop and Cloud Computing
      • Migrating (Any) Email to Office 365
      • Migrating (Any) E-mail to G Suite for Business
      • Hosted Email for Business
      • Google Apps for Business
      • Email Security Services
  • Cyber Security
    • IT Security Services
    • Vulnerability Management
    • Network Firewall Security
    • Anti-Phishing Email Protection
  • Networking
    • Voice over IP (VoIP) Services
    • Network Technology
      • Wireless Networking
      • PTP Wireless Networks
      • Commercial Intercom System
      • Video Surveillance Systems / Video Camera Installation Services
    • Network Cabling
      • Data Center Cabling
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Select Page

Account Breach Types: Understanding Spear-Phishing Attacks

by Miguel Morales | Jul 26, 2019 | Email Security, IT Security, Phishing | 0 comments

Account Breach Types: Understanding Spear-Phishing Attacks

It can be hard to believe that we are still struggling with the exact same issues in cybersecurity that were serious problems decades ago. Human psychology hasn’t changed since the apparition of the Internet, so criminals continue to exploit the same flaws that are present in our behavior.

Account breaches are a constant in IT and they can be more or less frequent depending on the mechanisms and habits implemented by users, both individuals and organizations. Among the most common account breach types these days, we can find the spear-phishing attack.

In the following lines, the My IT Guy team dedicates a few ideas to explain what are spear-phishing attacks, how they work, and how we can fight them back.

What are Spear-Phishing Attacks?

To understand spear-phishing attacks, we must begin with the bare basics: phishing attacks. The spear-phishing tactics fall into a broader category where all kinds of psychology-based tricks are used by malicious third parties to steal sensitive information (financial data, most of the time).

Phishing attacks are those tactics that aim to deceive the target with false information about the sender’s identity. However, on a broader sense, a phishing attack often uses a “frail facade”, a disguise that isn’t too convincing.

Now, a spear-phishing attack steps up the game by using information from a reputable, trusted source. For example, these attacks may use email addresses from big companies and send highly-customized messages that resonate with the target, mostly by including personal information that could be available on social media or personal documents hosted online.

Social Media and Spear-Phishing Attacks

Before social media, attackers had a difficult time to find personal information about their targets. Crafting that highly-customized message was a challenge having in mind that they were ignorant of names, addresses, and other data that could be relevant (and useful to create some kind of trust) during the interaction. Cybercriminals had to go further in their research about their targets, going from one end to the other on the Internet to gather any useful facts.

But then social media appeared and people were more than happy to make their personal information fully available to the world. From their names and addresses to their hobbies and family photos, highly sensitive data became fully available online and most social media users neglected privacy matters until recently. Still, there are many social media users that continue to be irresponsible with their information.

How to Fight Back Spear-Phishing Attacks?

The very first step you need to make in order to prevent spear-phishing attacks is to protect all sensitive data related to your identity and your organization. Going back to the social media aspect of the problem, we all must become responsible users of the Internet. The first step is to stop openly sharing personal information that may be used for malicious purposes.

Corporate is often the target of malicious parties who aim to steal data and elaborate highly-effective spear-phishing attacks. Therefore, protecting business data is a priority as well. Watch out for potential email and network breaches that may work as a backdoor for criminals to gather information.

Then step up your IT security game by implementing safer mechanisms as multi-factor authentication, DMARC authentication, permission-based access control, and AI-based blocking solutions, tools that may prevent attacks on time.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Fake Netflix and TikTok Apps Are Spreading Malware April 19, 2021
  • LinkedIn Trojan and 500 M Users Get Data Leaked Online April 19, 2021
  • “COD Dropper” Malware Disguises as Warzone Cheat April 19, 2021
  • FBI Says Cybercrime Damage Costs Reached the $4 Billion Mark in 2020 March 22, 2021
  • Clubhouse Data Breach: Here’s What You Wanted to Know March 15, 2021

Recent Comments

  • Web Design & Development Services – MY IT Guy on Business IT Support
  • IT Support Services In Houston Is Worth Considering Your Attention! – Business Web Design & Web Development, IT Services on Business IT Support

Archives

  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • June 2017
  • May 2017

Categories

  • Big Data
  • Blog
  • COVID-19
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Email Security
  • Google
  • HIPPA
  • Internet Marketing
  • Internet of THings
  • IoT
  • IT Security
  • IT Support
  • Knowledge Base
  • Malware
  • Mobile Security
  • Phishing
  • Power Bi
  • Ransomware
  • Remote Workforce
  • SEO
  • Tech news
  • Viruses
  • Web Technologies
  • Windows
  • Home
  • IT Support
  • Cyber Security
  • Networking
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
© 2011-2020 GoMyITGuy.com - An IT Support and Services Company in The Woodlands | Houston TX. All rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

SAVE & ACCEPT