Phishing is a cyberattack method where attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or business credentials. These attacks usually come in the form of emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate but are designed to deceive.
How Phishing Works
Phishing attackers impersonate trusted sources. They might send emails that look like official messages from a bank, a service provider, or even your IT team. These messages often create urgency, asking you to click a link, download an attachment, or enter your credentials.
The fake websites or files collect your data or infect your device with malware. Some phishing messages are broad and generic, while others, known as spear phishing, are highly targeted, based on your job role or organization. Phishing can also happen through SMS (smishing), phone calls (vishing), QR Codes (quishing), or on collaboration platforms where users feel safe.
Why Phishing Is a Business Threat
Phishing remains one of the top causes of data breaches. It can lead to:
- Compromised email and system access
- Credential theft and account takeovers
- Malware infections, including ransomware
- Financial fraud and regulatory violations
It only takes one employee to fall for a phishing attempt to create a major security incident.
Phishing in Indian Enterprises
Indian businesses are frequent targets. Threat actors use regional language, current events, and social engineering to craft believable messages. Sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, and IT services face repeated phishing attempts through spoofed domains and fake portals.
Remote work and BYOD policies have increased the attack surface, making user awareness and endpoint protection even more important.
What You Should Know
Phishing is preventable, but only if you combine the right tools with the right training. Proactive helps organizations secure email, endpoints, and identities through Cisco Secure Email, Duo MFA, and user risk training. We design layered security that helps spot and stop phishing before it causes damage.
