Phishing 101-Don’t Get Hooked!


In today’s digital age, cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. Among these, phishing remains one of the most common and dangerous attacks. At Twin State Technical Services, we take cybersecurity seriously, and part of our proactive approach includes using KnowBe4, an industry-leading platform for phishing protection and security awareness training. Whether you’re an individual or an organization, understanding phishing is critical to keeping your data safe.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of cyberattack where criminals pretend to be trusted entities to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or even company data. These attacks usually come in the form of deceptive emails, text messages, or fake websites designed to appear legitimate.

Email Phishing:
This is the most prevalent form of phishing. Cybercriminals send fraudulent emails that appear to be from trusted sources, like banks, online retailers, or even your own employer. These emails often create a sense of urgency, pushing you to click a malicious link or download an attachment.

How We Use KnowBe4 to Protect You

At Twin State Technical Services, we leverage KnowBe4 to keep our team and our clients safe from phishing attacks. KnowBe4 provides comprehensive security awareness training, teaching employees how to recognize phishing attempts and avoid falling into traps. We regularly run simulated phishing campaigns to keep our defenses sharp, ensuring that everyone remains vigilant against these evolving threats.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing

Here are some key steps you can take to avoid getting hooked by phishing scams:

Think Before You Click:
If you receive an unexpected email or message asking for personal information or to click a link, pause. Hover over any links to check the URL and avoid clicking if it looks suspicious.

Verify the Sender:
Phishing emails often come from fake or slightly altered email addresses. Double-check the sender’s email address carefully for small discrepancies.

Watch for Red Flags:
Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, poor formatting, and generic greetings. Be cautious of any email that seems unprofessional or creates an unnecessary sense of urgency.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
This extra layer of security can protect you even if someone does steal your password. Use 2FA wherever possible to secure your accounts.

Stay Up to Date:
Make sure your devices, operating systems, and software are updated regularly to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities.

What to Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attack

If you think you’ve received a phishing email or message, don’t panic. Follow these steps:

Do not click on any links or download attachments.

Report it: If you’re a Twin State Technical Services client, report the phishing attempt to us immediately. We’ll investigate and ensure your systems remain secure.

Delete the message: After reporting it, delete the email or message to prevent accidental interaction.

By staying informed and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, you can avoid getting hooked by phishing attacks. At Twin State Technical Services, we’re here to help you every step of the way with cutting-edge tools like KnowBe4 and expert guidance to keep your information safe. Stay vigilant, stay secure!

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