Phishing Is Still the #1 Attack Vector: Here's What to Do About It

Phishing uses deceptive messages, calls, or websites to steal information or prompt an action. Attackers can impersonate executives, vendors, and colleagues, and may use compromised accounts as well as look-alike domains. No single filter or training exercise stops every attempt.

In brief: Combine email filtering, phishing-resistant multifactor authentication, independent verification of sensitive requests, reporting, and a practiced response plan. CISA's phishing guidance explains ways to interrupt the attack cycle.

Build layers that cover different risks

Protect identities. Use phishing-resistant MFA such as FIDO security keys or passkeys where supported, especially for email, remote access, and administrator accounts. MFA reduces risk, but some methods can be bypassed. Restrict legacy authentication and review sign-in and session activity. See CISA's MFA guidance.

Filter email and attachments. Configure spam and phishing detection, attachment inspection, and safe-link tools appropriate to the environment. Filters can miss novel or targeted messages, so provide an easy way for staff to report suspicious email.

Authenticate your domain. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC help recipients evaluate messages claiming to come from your domain. A correctly configured enforcement policy can reduce direct domain spoofing, but it does not stop look-alike domains or mail sent through a compromised account.

Verify sensitive requests. Confirm wire changes, new payment instructions, unusual data requests, and urgent account changes through a known independent channel. Never rely solely on contact details in the message being verified.

Train without blaming. Explain common pretexts, make reporting simple, and use simulations to identify opportunities to improve. A lower simulation click rate is useful feedback, not proof that an organization is safe from real attacks.

Prepare to respond. Define who can disable sessions, reset credentials, investigate mailbox rules, isolate affected devices, preserve evidence, and contact the bank or incident response provider. Practice the process before an incident.

How often should we run simulations?

Choose a cadence that fits the workforce and risk, then vary the scenarios and measure both reporting and clicks. Use the results to improve communication and controls rather than as a guarantee of a specific reduction in attacks.

Can AI make phishing harder to spot?

AI can help attackers produce convincing messages, but good spelling alone has never proved a request is legitimate. Verify the action and the sender through an independent channel, especially when the request involves credentials, money, or sensitive records.

What should we do after someone clicks?

Encourage immediate reporting. Depending on the situation, the response team may need to revoke sessions, reset credentials, investigate sign-ins and mailbox rules, isolate a device, and preserve evidence. If funds were sent, contact the bank immediately. AdVran's incident response services can support investigation and recovery.

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