Phishing emails are a common form of cybercrime that targets businesses of all sizes. As a practice owner or office manager of a dental/medical practice, it is important to be aware of the risks posed by phishing emails and take steps to protect your company’s data and assets; especially when dealing with HIPPA Compliance and respecting patient confidentiality.
What are phishing emails?
Phishing emails are fraudulent emails that are designed to trick the recipient into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. These emails often appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or government agency, and may include a link or attachment that, when clicked, installs malware on the recipient’s device.
Phishing emails can be highly effective because they rely on the recipient’s trust in the apparent sender. For example, a phishing email that appears to come from a company’s outsourced IT department (or the owner of the practice) may request that the recipient update their password or download a software update. If the recipient is not aware of the risks of phishing, they may comply with the request, inadvertently giving the attacker access to sensitive information.
How can businesses protect themselves from phishing emails?
There are several steps that businesses can take to protect themselves from phishing emails:
- Educate employees: One of the most effective ways to prevent phishing attacks is to educate employees about the risks of phishing and how to identify suspicious emails. Employees should be taught to look for red flags such as misspelled words or unusual requests, and to verify the authenticity of emails before responding.
- Implement email filters: Email filters can be used to block emails from known phishing sources or emails that contain suspicious content. Many email providers offer built-in filters that can be customized to meet the needs of your business.
- Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to login processes by requiring users to provide two forms of identification. This can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Keep software up-to-date: Malware often exploits vulnerabilities in outdated software. By keeping software up-to-date, businesses can reduce the risk of a successful phishing attack
It can be difficult to determine whether an email from your boss is real or a phishing attempt, as attackers often use social engineering tactics to create emails that appear to be from a legitimate source. However, there are some steps you can take to help identify whether an email is real or phishing:
- Check the sender’s email address: Phishing emails often use email addresses that are similar to the real email address but contain small differences, such as a misspelling or a different domain name. Before clicking on any links or providing any information, carefully check the sender’s email address to ensure it is legitimate.
- Verify the content of the email: Phishing emails often contain urgent or threatening language, such as a warning that your account will be locked or suspended if you don’t take immediate action. Be cautious of emails that ask for sensitive information or request that you click on a link or download an attachment.
- Check for typos and grammatical errors: Phishing emails often contain typos or grammatical errors, as attackers may not be native English speakers or may use automated tools to create the emails. If an email from your boss contains numerous typos or grammatical errors, it may be a sign of a phishing attempt.
- Contact your boss or IT department (even if it is outsourced): If you’re unsure whether an email from your boss is legitimate, don’t hesitate to contact them directly to confirm. Additionally, your IT department may be able to assist you in verifying the legitimacy of the email and provide guidance on how to proceed.
- By following these steps and being vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails, you can help protect yourself and your business from the risks posed by phishing attacks. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take the time to verify an email’s legitimacy rather than risk falling victim to a phishing scam.
At ACW Group, maintaining the integrity of our clients intellectual, financial, and personal data is our top priority!
Call us today to collaborate and make a plan for your practice’s success!
ACW Group, LLC
p: 816.668.1144
e: management@acwgroupllc.com
ACW Group 