Behind the scenes of a phishing attack
Phishing attacks are growing in scale and sophistication – here’s how they work and how to protect your business from costly breaches and reputational damage.
No credit card required
Adrianus Warmenhoven: key takeaways about phishing
:format(avif))
Everyone is a target, big or small
Hackers will adapt their approach based on the size of the organization, but phishing remains one of their go-to methods for individuals – and, by extension, for employees at any company.
Stolen credentials are cheap and plentiful
On the dark web, you can get about 10,000 verified email addresses for $5, making large-scale phishing campaigns both easy and profitable.
AI-powered impersonation fuels spearphishing
Hackers can train AI on someone’s online behavior and communication style to convincingly mimic them – lowering a target’s guard and making phishing emails harder to detect.
The ultimate goal is financial gain
Phishing is, first and foremost, a money-making endeavor. If hackers can get 5 cents from a million people, that’s $50,000 in a single attack.
Phishing's ripple effect
A single click can spiral into a full-blown breach.
60 seconds: that’s how fast people fall for a phishing scam
In Q3 of 2024, the APWG observed 932,923 phishing attacks, up from 877,536 in the second quarter.
Source: apwg.org
It can take almost 300 days to resolve a breach
It can take several months—sometimes almost a year—to fully resolve a breach, straining IT resources and eroding public confidence.
Source: newswoom.ibm.com
$4.88M is the average cost of a data breach in 2024
This indicates a 10% rise over last year and the highest total ever, underscoring the escalating financial losses that data breaches are imposing on today's companies.
Source: ibm.com
Business email compromise (BEC) was responsible for $2.9B in losses in 2023
The average amount requested in wire transfer BEC attacks in Q3 2024 was $67,145.
Source: ic3.gov
Is my data on the dark web?
Want to check if your company’s email or domain has been compromised? Use our quick scanner to identify any known breaches.
Powered by
Cybercrime costs will hit $9.5 trillion globally in 2024
Scanning for breaches ...
Take charge of your business and personal security
Cyber threats are evolving, but you don’t need to be an expert to protect your business or personal accounts. Here are some steps you can take.
:format(avif))
Identify compromised data
Regularly monitor your accounts and services for signs of data exposure. Using tools like the Dark Web Scanner can help you stay informed about breaches involving your credentials.
:format(avif))
Get breach notifications
Activating breach alerts allows you to act immediately when your information is compromised, reducing the risk of further damage.
:format(avif))
Get expert advice
Staying updated on the latest cybersecurity best practices can significantly reduce your exposure to phishing scams. Consider consulting experts or subscribing to reliable cybersecurity services.
Expert tips to avoid phishing scams
Take your time
Phishing isn’t powerful because it’s clever. It’s powerful because it’s fast. Whether it’s a link in an email or a link coming from a direct message, take your time before you click anything. Inspect the URL, look for grammar errors and other telltale signs of a phishing scam.
:format(avif))
Enable autofill in your password manager
Password managers like NordPass provide an added layer of security by not autofilling credentials on suspicious websites. This behavior helps you spot potential phishing attempts. Ensure your password manager is configured to require URL matching before filling in sensitive details.
:format(avif))
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra step to your login process makes it significantly harder for attackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Set up MFA wherever possible, particularly on critical accounts.
:format(avif))
Displayed prices do not include VAT.
Frequently asked questions
Phishing takes advantage of human behavior – most of us trust emails or messages that appear to come from familiar organizations. Attackers use urgent or alarming language to push you into clicking without thinking. Learn more about the psychological tricks behind phishing in this article.
Cybercriminals often update their methods to stay ahead of spam filters and user awareness. Recent trends include highly personalized “spear phishing” (targeting a specific individual or role), social media impersonations, and multi-channel approaches (email + text messages). Staying informed on these evolving strategies is crucial for a stronger defense.
Although phishing can affect anyone, sectors handling large amounts of sensitive data—such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce—are prime targets. Even smaller businesses in these industries aren’t immune, as attackers see them as an easier entry point to valuable information.
Costs vary widely based on factors like breach severity and company size. Beyond direct financial losses from fraud, businesses often face legal fees, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. In many cases, the total expense stretches into the millions once downtime and recovery efforts are factored in.
Effective protection starts with awareness training – teaching staff to recognize suspicious emails, links, and attachments. Additionally, enforcing strong password policies, using security tools like email filters, and encouraging multi-factor authentication significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful phishing attempt.
A business password manager, such as NordPass Business, helps keep credentials secure and alerts you to suspicious login pages. Other helpful tools include endpoint security software, email filtering solutions, and automated scanning tools that highlight potential phishing links before anyone clicks.
Small teams can still implement robust defenses without breaking the bank. Consider using team-oriented password managers like NordPass for secure credential sharing. Regular staff training, basic firewalls, and keeping software up to date also offer high-impact protection at minimal cost.
Aside from phishing, businesses and individuals face threats like credential stuffing (where attackers try stolen logins across multiple sites) or brute-force attacks targeting weak passwords. With password management and breach monitoring tools in place, it’s easier to detect vulnerabilities early and respond before a minor security gap becomes a major breach.