Old Habits, New Threats
outdated phishing defenses vs modern cybersecurity solutions
Old Habits, New Threats
Phishing attacks have been around for over 20 years, and while the nature of these attacks has evolved, many businesses are still relying on outdated phishing defenses. Unfortunately, those old habits aren’t enough to protect against modern cybersecurity threats, leaving employees and organizations vulnerable. With the growing sophistication of phishing strategies, it’s critical to understand why traditional defenses no longer work and why adopting modern cybersecurity solutions is essential to staying safe in today’s digital landscape.
A Grim Reality for Secure Email Gateways
For years, SEGs have been the go-to solution for organizations to protect their email systems. They act as a barrier, filtering out spam, phishing attempts, and malicious links. But with the growing complexity of phishing strategies, the effectiveness of SEGs is waning.
Here’s the reality:
- 91% of cybersecurity leaders are dissatisfied with their SEGs, and 87% are looking for alternatives.
- SEGs allow 1 in 5 malicious emails to slip through their defenses and land in employee inboxes, where the risk of a phishing attack skyrockets.
- In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there was a 52.2% increase in attacks that bypassed SEG detection systems.
A critical flaw is highlighted by these statistics: SEGs were designed for a time when email served as the primary attack vector. But modern phishing attacks have diversified across a range of platforms, making SEGs inadequate as a standalone solution.
Understanding the Evolution of Phishing Tactics
Phishing attacks aren’t just about fraudulent emails anymore. Attackers are becoming more innovative, leveraging a variety of technical methods to evade detection and infiltrate networks. In the first quarter of 2024, we saw some alarming trends:
- 24.9% of attacks hijacked legitimate hyperlinks to trick users into believing they were safe.
- 19.6% of attacks concealed phishing URLs inside image-based attachments.
- HTML smuggling, a technique used by 16.2%, encodes malicious scripts within HTML attachments to bypass traditional detection methods.
- 48.3% of attacks originated from legitimate but compromised accounts, making it harder for employees to distinguish between real and phishing messages.
These tactics show just how much phishing has evolved. Attackers are no longer relying solely on suspicious links or obviously fraudulent emails. Instead, they’re integrating themselves into legitimate communications and networks, making detection harder and response times slower.
Phishing Beyond Email: A Multi-Channel Threat
While email remains a major attack vector, it’s no longer the only one. Cybercriminals are expanding their reach to other platforms, and businesses need to be aware of these growing risks. Phishing attacks are now taking place on:
- Social media: Fraudulent accounts and messages designed to mimic real brands or individuals are becoming more common.
- Search engines and browsers: Phishing websites are appearing in search results or being delivered through malicious ads.
- Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting messaging applications like Slack, Teams, and WhatsApp, especially as remote work continues to grow
The old adage “don’t click links from unknown senders” is no longer sufficient. Phishing attacks have infiltrated nearly every digital platform, and businesses need a multi-channel approach to stay protected.
The Impact of Old Habits on Cybersecurity
Relying on outdated methods is no longer a viable option for keeping your company safe. Old habits, like solely depending on SEGs or teaching employees generic email security tips, are leaving businesses wide open to new forms of phishing attacks. The cyber landscape has changed, yet many organizations remain stuck in the past.
When companies fail to update their security protocols, they inadvertently increase their risk. Phishing is no longer a problem that can be solved with a simple software update or an annual employee training session. It requires constant vigilance, real-time data, and adaptive security measures.
Why Comprehensive Protection is the Only Path Forward
As phishing attacks become more sophisticated, businesses need a new approach to cybersecurity—one that offers comprehensive protection across all digital channels. This is where PhishCloud comes in. At PhishCloud, we understand that the threat landscape has evolved, and we offer a solution designed to address the modern realities of phishing attacks.
Our PHISH360 platform provides:
- Real-Time Visibility: We give you insight into phishing threats across email, social media, web browsers, and messaging platforms.
- Proactive Employee Training: Instead of generic tips, we offer reality-based training, giving your employees the knowledge they need based on the actual threats they face.
- 360-Degree Protection: Whether the attack comes via email or another digital channel, we’ve got you covered.
We don’t just rely on SEGs or outdated habits. Our approach to phishing defense is built around the concept of constant adaptation. Cybercriminals are always evolving, and your defenses should too.
Take the First Step Towards Better Cybersecurity
The time for old habits has passed. Phishing attacks are more complex and dangerous than ever before, and businesses need to rise to the challenge. With PhishCloud, you can protect your organization from the most sophisticated phishing schemes, no matter where they originate.
Let us show you how we can help safeguard your business from modern phishing threats with modern cybersecurity solutions that go beyond outdated phishing defenses. It’s time to evolve your approach to cybersecurity.
