Phishing
An attack using fraudulent messages to trick users into revealing credentials or performing harmful actions.
What does it mean Phishing?
Phishing is the most common way to breach a company. An attacker sends a message that appears authentic, directing the victim to a fake login page or to open an attachment.
Advanced versions target specific individuals (spear phishing) or impersonate executives to request wire transfers (CEO fraud), often using real data from public sources.
Effective defense combines technical measures (filtering, MFA, external mail tagging) and regular training with realistic simulations.
Practical examples
A company conducts a simulated phishing campaign: 18% of employees click the link; after two training sessions and a repeated simulation, the share drops below 5%.
Business relevance
A single successful phishing attempt can lead to mailbox takeover, data leaks, or fraudulent wire transfers. Prevention is significantly cheaper than the consequences.
Common mistakes
Typical mistakes include the lack of MFA, punishing employees instead of training them, and the absence of a simple process for reporting suspicious messages.
How VitalIT helps
At VitalIT, we set up and maintain security solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises — from firewalls and device protection to event monitoring and incident response. More on the cybersecurity page.
Why is this important for businesses?
A single successful phishing attempt can lead to mailbox takeover, data leaks, or fraudulent wire transfers. Prevention is significantly cheaper than the consequences.
Where does this appear in practice?
A company conducts a simulated phishing campaign: 18% of employees click the link; after two training sessions and a repeated simulation, the share drops below 5%.
Most common problems or errors
Typical mistakes include the lack of MFA, punishing employees instead of training them, and the absence of a simple process for reporting suspicious messages.
Kako pri tem pomaga VitalIT
At VitalIT, we set up and maintain security solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises — from firewalls and device protection to event monitoring and incident response. More on the [cybersecurity](/en/services/kibernetska-varnost) page.
Related terms
Related Services
Frequently asked questions
- Does MFA prevent phishing?
- It significantly reduces damage, as a stolen password alone is not enough to log in.
- How often should simulations be performed?
- Every three to four months, with training for those who fall for it.
- What should an employee do if they suspect something?
- Do not open the message and report it via a pre-established button or IT support address.