While some people think that only small businesses with limited resources are vulnerable to cybercriminal attacks, some of the most intense, costly, and elaborate attacks have happened to well-known corporations. The reasons for this might be that these big companies have more for the cybercriminals to gain or for the simple goal of bragging rights for being able to hack into an extensive, well-protected system. Whatever the motive, the truth is that any business could be a potential target. It is essential to work with a team of experts to beef up your Boston network security, provide employee education, and do everything you can concerning preventing cyber attacks from occurring. But what about a vishing attack – is your company ready for that?
What is a Vishing Attack?
Voice phishing – otherwise known as a vishing attack – is on the rise. While a standard phishing attack involves the use of emails, text messages, and other types of similar contact to spoof a well-known company, brand, product, or even a coworker in an attempt to steal sensitive data or install malware, vishing attacks are a bit different. Voice phishing is when cybercriminal attacks involve an actual phone conversation or voice message left by the individual in an attempt to impersonate a trusted company or service to gain remote access to an individual computer or system.
One recent scam involved the use of the popular Microsoft Defender subscription service. Fake receipts were sent via email, and each message included a telephone number for the victim to call if there were any issues regarding returns. Just one phone call triggered the vishing attack, which provided the criminal with the opportunity to ask the victim to install a program that would give them remote access to their computer. Because it was Microsoft – the sender name was Microsoft Online Store, and the subject was Order Confirmation No (with an invoice number) – the individual trusted that the emails were valid. These cybercriminal attacks even created emails similar to actual Microsoft emails, including subscription information and other details.
What Do They Have to Gain?
This is often the most frequently asked question by would-be victims after receiving a vishing attack contact or another attempt that threatens their Boston network security. Phishing attacks are often more frustrating than other types of attacks in that they feel so personal. The criminals use several different methods to appear very convincing to the individual so they can bypass their standard security protocols. The initial email seems legitimate and is the first step toward building trust with the target. It comes from a company that is well-known and trusted. A simple sense of urgency is created in the form of a receipt for something expensive that the person did not order. Providing a phone number makes it seem even more accurate, as it gives the victim a way to speak with someone directly.
The goal is typically to grab confidential information, such as sensitive accounts payable or receivable data, as well as client lists and contacts, company data, and essential files. The end game could have been to hold this data ransom, share financial account data on the dark web, or sell it in some other way. Other goals could be to directly install malware or ransomware on the entire system, steal login credentials for future mischief, or just get inside the system for some unknown reason. The reasoning behind cybercriminal attacks doesn’t always make sense at first glance, but these attackers’ real motives and end game usually become apparent after some time.
Prepare for a Vishing Attack
Synivate offers a wide range of services designed to help our clients install a multi-faceted approach to Boston network security. We offer 24/7 monitoring and management services to augment or fill the role of an IT department within your small-to-medium-sized business (SMB). We also provide network security services, employee training, and support and offer ongoing updates designed to help you stay ahead of the curve for preventing cyber attacks. Business continuity is essential, so we also provide comprehensive backup and recovery program services to ensure your business gets back up and running as soon as possible after an attack, powder grid outage, or another type of disaster.
To learn more about all of the services and support programs we offer, call us at 617-848-1248. We can answer any questions you might have about our Greater Boston network security services to help prepare your business to prevent a vishing attack or cybercriminal attacks from being successful.