Phishing is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to scam and fraudulently obtain sensitive information. This can be a password or detailed information about the victim’s credit card or other banking information.
The scam mer, known as a phisher, uses social engineering techniques and poses as a trustworthy person or company in an apparent official electronic communication. Usually through an email or instant messaging system, social networks, SMS/MMS, following malware or even using phone calls as well.
How does phishing work?
Most phishing campaigns employ one of two basic methods:
Malicious attachments
Malicious email attachments, which usually have enticing names, such as ‘INVOICE’, install malware on victims’ machines when opened.
Links to malicious websites
Malicious links point to websites that are often clones of legitimate ones, which download malware or whose login pages contain credential-harvesting scripts.
Even if your organisation has strong technical security measures, some phishing emails will inevitably get through.
It is therefore critical for all employees to be able to recognise them. Things to look out for include:
– Public email domains
– Misspelled domain names
– Bad grammar and spelling
– Suspicious attachments/links
– Sense of urgency
10 Ways to Avoid Phishing Scams
1. Keep Informed About Phishing Techniques
2. Think Before You Click!
3. Install an Anti-Phishing Toolbar
4. Verify a Site’s Security
5. Check Your Online Accounts Regularly
6. Keep Your Browser Up to Date
7. Use Firewalls
8. Be Wary of Pop-Ups
9. Never Give Out Personal Information
10. Use Antivirus Software
Online Cybersecurity Training
Employees, managers and directors should all have a good understanding of the threat posed by cyber-attacks and the importance of guarding against data breaches. This short course will explain why cyber attacks and data breaches happen and provide practical advice on how to set up effective defences
SICKNESS BEATS RETIREMENT AS CAUSE OF WORK EXIT IN UK
Nearly twice as many older workers left the labour market in the UK during the pandemic because of sickness and ill-health than those who retired.
The Trade Union Council (TUC) has warned that thousands of older workers are being forced out of the labour market due to poor health.
200,000 UK workers aged 50-65 have left the labour market since pandemic began
Analysis by the union body shows that the number of older workers who have left the labour market due to sickness and ill health (97,000) is nearly twice the rate of those who have retired (50,000) during the pandemic.
Overall, the number of people aged 50-65 who were not looking for work increased by 200,000 since the pandemic began.
The analysis shows those in working-class jobs are much more likely to say they have left the labour market due to sickness. Around four in ten workers (40 per cent) in “process plant and machinery jobs” and “elementary occupations” – such as security guards and cleaners – say they have left the labour market due to sickness or ill health, compared with one in ten who work in professional occupations.
Support for older workers
The TUC says that plans to tackle labour shortages by helping more older workers stay in work must address the long running structural inequalities that result in workers on lower pay and BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) workers being pushed out of work for health reasons.
The TUC is calling for a mid-life career and skills review for all workers to help older workers to plan, progress and prosper in later life. This includes expanding existing skills entitlements and establishing a new “right to retrain”.
For full report details see https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/twice-many-older-workers-have-left-labour-market-due-sickness-retirement-during-pandemic-tuc
