Four Moves to Dramatically Cut Your Cyberattack Risk

Over 90% of successful cyberattacks start with a phish. That’s not a scare tactic—it’s a reality. Attackers know that the easiest way into your business isn’t through some Hollywood‑style hack. It’s through your inbox. One click on a malicious link, one attachment opened in haste, and suddenly your business is on the hook.

The good news? You don’t need a 200‑page cybersecurity playbook to fight back. By focusing on four proven moves, you can dramatically reduce your risk and keep your business from becoming the “catch of the day.”

1. Enable MFA (But Not the SMS or Email Kind)

Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective defenses against account compromise. But not all MFA is created equal.

• Why SMS and email MFA aren’t enough: Attackers can intercept text messages, SIM‑swap phone numbers, or phish email codes. These methods are better than nothing, but they’re not bulletproof.

• What works better: App‑based authenticators with number matching (like Microsoft Authenticator or Duo) and hardware security keys (like YubiKey) provide much stronger protection. They’re resistant to phishing and nearly impossible for attackers to bypass remotely.

How it helps: Even if an attacker tricks an employee into handing over a password, MFA adds a critical second barrier. Without that additional factor, the stolen credentials are useless.

Think of MFA as the deadbolt on your digital front door. A password alone is like a flimsy lock—easy to pick. MFA makes breaking in a whole lot harder.

2. Train Your Crew: Security Awareness & Phishing Simulations

Technology alone can’t stop phishing. People are both your greatest risk and your greatest defense. That’s why regular security awareness training is essential.

• Phishing simulations: Sending safe, controlled phishing emails to employees helps them practice spotting red flags. Over time, they become more skeptical of suspicious links and attachments.

• Awareness campaigns: Short, engaging training sessions (not boring lectures) keep cybersecurity top of mind. Cover topics like spotting spoofed domains, hovering over links before clicking, and reporting suspicious emails.

• Culture of security: Encourage employees to ask questions and report mistakes without fear of punishment. The faster a real phishing attempt is reported, the less damage it can cause.

How it helps: Attackers rely on human error. Training reduces the odds that someone will take the bait. Even better, it turns your employees into active defenders—an extension of your security team.

Think of it like fire drills. You don’t wait for a real fire to teach people how to exit the building. You practice ahead of time so everyone knows what to do.

3. Lock Down Your Email Domain with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

Phishing often works because attackers impersonate trusted senders. They spoof your domain, making emails look like they came from your company. That’s where email authentication protocols come in.

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Defines which mail servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.

• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds a digital signature to your emails, proving they haven’t been tampered with.

• DMARC (Domain‑based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): Tells receiving mail servers what to do if an email fails SPF or DKIM checks (reject, quarantine, or allow).

How it helps: These protocols make it much harder for attackers to spoof your domain. Customers, partners, and employees can trust that emails from your company are legitimate.

Without SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, your brand reputation is at risk. Imagine a phishing campaign that looks like it came from your business—customers lose trust, and you’re left cleaning up the mess.

4. Armor Up with an Advanced Email Security Gateway

Even with MFA, training, and email authentication, phishing emails will still slip through. That’s why an advanced email security gateway (ESG) is your last line of defense.

Solutions like Mimecast, Proofpoint, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 go beyond basic spam filters. Look for features like:

• Impersonation protection: Detects when attackers try to mimic executives or trusted vendors.

• Attachment sandboxing: Opens suspicious files in a safe environment to check for malware before they reach the inbox.

• Safe links: Rewrites URLs in emails and scans them at the time of click, blocking malicious sites.

How it helps: ESGs catch the sophisticated phishing attempts that slip past standard filters. They buy you time, reduce the number of threats employees see, and add layers of protection that attackers must get through.

Think of it as a security checkpoint at the airport. Most people pass through without issue, but the system is designed to catch the dangerous items before they get on the plane.

Why Four Moves Aren’t Enough (And Where to Go Next)

These four moves—MFA, training, email authentication, and ESG—dramatically cut your risk. But cybersecurity isn’t a one‑and‑done project. Attackers evolve, and so must your defenses.

That’s where Actionable Security comes in. We specialize in making cybersecurity approachable, effective, and yes—even a little fun. Our seasoned leadership and hands‑on assessments help small businesses go beyond the basics.

• Explore our vCISO services for strategic cybersecurity leadership.

• Check out our Email Security Assessments to uncover hidden risks and strengthen your defenses.

Don’t wait until you’re another statistic. Take action today, and let’s keep your business off the hook.

Final Cast

Phishing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s getting smarter. But with the right mix of technology and awareness, you can dramatically reduce your risk and protect what matters most.

Remember:

• MFA is your deadbolt.

• Training is your fire drill.

• SPF/DKIM/DMARC are your caller ID.

• ESG is your airport checkpoint.

Together, they make your business a much harder target.

Don’t be the “catch of the day.” 🎣

#GonePhishing #ClickBaitIsntDinner #DontBeTheCatch