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Some phishermen cast their lines better than others. Just like fishermen use bait to lure in fish, cybercriminals cast out their deceptive traps to hook sensitive information. That’s why it’s called "phishing." In both cases, though, it takes skill and precision to succeed, which is why some anglers manage to snag trophy catches while others come home empty-handed.
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Unfortunately for both fish and regular internet users, there are tools available these days that make it easier for catchers to get their prey. While fishermen can head to their local bait shop for the right tackle, cybercriminals can easily find resources online to level up their phishing tactics. Let us explain a bit more.
What is phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS), exactly?
Basically, phishing-as-a-service is a model that allows attackers with minimal hacking skills to access advanced phishing tools, like ready-made phishing kits and templates for fake websites, enabling them to launch and run sophisticated phishing attacks. In other words, you could say that PhaaS is like a "Phishing Starter Pack" for newcomers looking to join the digital underworld.
Wannabe attackers can find these phishing tools through various channels, such as dark web marketplaces, hacker forums, and encrypted messaging apps. And once they get their hands on these resources, they can immediately start deceiving individuals into exposing sensitive information.
How does phishing-as-a-service work?
As we’ve mentioned before, phishing-as-a-service is about giving cybercriminals easy access to ready-made tools and resources that make phishing attacks much simpler to pull off.
It usually works by more experienced hackers putting out the so-called phishing kits—often including templates for fake websites, customizable emails, and other methods for collecting stolen data—and offering them as services that others can subscribe to. So, even without much technical know-how, subscribers to these illegal services can quickly start running their own phishing campaigns.
What’s worse, PhaaS platforms usually provide ongoing support and updates to help attackers stay ahead of security defenses. This setup not only makes phishing more accessible but also prevents phishing newbies from hitting a wall, meaning they don’t encounter the typical barriers or learning curves that would normally slow down or stop an inexperienced attacker.
Strategies you can use to defend your company against PhaaS
Just because it’s now easier for even non-skilled hackers to pull off complex phishing attacks doesn’t mean you or your company have to feel helpless about it. In fact, there are several steps you can take to protect your sensitive data and keep those tricksters at bay. Here are a few things you can do:
Check email sender domains and links carefully: Take some extra time to verify the sender’s email address and all links. Many phishing attempts use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have small differences that can be easily overlooked.
Watch out for spelling errors and suspicious attachments: Phishing emails usually have typos or odd wording that should set off alarm bells. If you receive an email that feels suspicious, it’s best to just delete it.
Avoid sharing personal information online: Be careful about what you share on social media and other platforms. Cybercriminals can use the info you post to create convincing phishing attempts aimed right at you.
Teach your employees to identify phishing attempts: Holding regular training sessions can help your team spot the signs of phishing. When everyone’s aware and informed, you can greatly lower the chances of falling for these scams.
Using anti-phishing software: Invest in reliable anti-phishing tools that can help detect and block suspicious emails before they reach your inbox.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding MFA to your accounts makes it way tougher for attackers to get in. Even if they somehow snag your credentials, they still need that second factor to access your account.
Use NordPass to better protect yourself from phishing attacks
While most people know NordPass as a password manager, it’s also an advanced cybersecurity tool for protecting yourself from phishing attacks. How so?
Beyond securely storing your credentials and sensitive data in an encrypted vault, NordPass helps you autofill your login information, which means you won’t accidentally enter your passwords on fake websites. It also includes a feature called the Data Breach Scanner that allows you to check if your data has been exposed on the dark web, helping you stay informed about what’s out there and ready to handle any attempts to coax you into sharing more personal details.
Of course, NordPass has plenty of other features, like multi-factor authentication and an authenticator for time-based one-time codes, to help keep you—and your team—safe from cyber threats. So, why not give it a try and see how it can boost your online security? It’s your call!