As we wrap up February and head into the final stretch of the first quarter, it’s not just about closing deals and hitting quarterly goals—it’s also tax season. Unfortunately, while you're focused on filing paperwork and organizing financials, cybercriminals are equally busy crafting scams designed to steal personal and business information.
This month’s newsletter focuses on practical IT solutions to keep your data safe and your business running smoothly. From tax-season phishing scams to human-centered defenses, here’s what you need to know:
As we wrap up February and head into the final stretch of the first quarter, it’s time to tackle one of the season’s least-loved tasks: tax filing. While you’re focused on getting everything in order, scammers are equally busy—only their goal is to steal your personal and financial information. According to the IRS, tax scams peak between January and April, with cybercriminals exploiting the rush and confusion of filing season. (Source: IRS.gov)
Tax scams don’t just target individuals—they hit businesses hard, too.
In 2024, the IRS reported a significant increase in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) scams, where fraudsters charged hefty fees for filing ERC claims, even for businesses that didn’t qualify. The problem became so widespread that the IRS launched an ERC withdrawal program to help victims undo fraudulent claims. (Source: IRS ERC Update)
Many tax scams promise easy refunds or massive savings, but they often lead to audits, penalties, or even criminal charges. Stick to legitimate filing methods and consult trusted tax professionals to avoid falling victim.
Phishing scams continue to evolve, posing significant threats to individuals and businesses alike. In 2024, phishing attacks surged by 58.2% compared to the previous year, reflecting how cybercriminals exploit increasingly sophisticated methods to steal personal and financial information. (Source: Zscaler 2024 Phishing Report)
Understanding the most dangerous types of phishing scams can help you stay vigilant and protect your sensitive data. Here’s a breakdown of the six most dangerous types of phishing scams and how to defend against them.
Deceptive phishing is the most common type of phishing scam, where attackers impersonate reputable organizations to steal personal information or spread malware. These emails often convey a sense of urgency to trick victims into acting quickly.
Example: In December 2024, an ongoing phishing scam abused Google Calendar invites and Google Drawings pages to bypass spam filters and steal user credentials.
How to Protect Yourself:
Unlike broad phishing attacks, spear phishing targets specific individuals by using personal information to craft convincing emails. Cybercriminals often gather details from social media platforms like LinkedIn to personalize their attacks.
Example: In January 2025, a phishing campaign targeted manufacturing companies by abusing HubSpot to steal Microsoft Azure credentials.
How to Protect Yourself:
CEO fraud, also known as business email compromise (BEC), involves attackers impersonating high-level executives to trick employees into making unauthorized wire transfers or sharing sensitive data.
Example: In 2024, U.S. businesses lost $2.9 billion to scams where attackers used AI-generated voices and emails to impersonate corporate leaders.
How to Protect Your Organization:
Vishing (voice phishing) involves scammers calling victims while impersonating banks, government agencies, or tech support. These calls often request personal information under the guise of account verification.
Example: In February 2025, the Connecticut Better Business Bureau warned about a vishing scam involving fake loan processors named "Jessica" asking victims to confirm loan details.
How to Protect Yourself:
Smishing involves text messages that trick victims into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. These messages often claim to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies.
Example: In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission warned about a smishing scam where texts falsely claimed recipients had unpaid toll road fines and directed them to a fake payment link.
How to Protect Yourself:
Pharming is a more sophisticated form of phishing where users are redirected from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones without their knowledge. This often involves DNS hijacking.
Example: In 2024, Microsoft reported an increase in DNS-based phishing attacks, where hackers compromised routers and redirected users to fake login pages.
How to Protect Yourself:
Phishing scams remain one of the most effective tools for cybercriminals. From emails and texts to phone calls and website redirects, attackers use various methods to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Staying informed and implementing robust cybersecurity practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.
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In today's digital landscape, phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant threats to both individuals and organizations. In 2024 alone, phishing attacks surged by 58.2% compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing reach of cybercriminals. (Source: Zscaler 2024 Phishing Report)
One prevalent tactic is Business Email Compromise (BEC), where attackers impersonate trusted contacts to deceive employees into transferring funds or revealing sensitive information. In 2024, 64% of businesses reported facing BEC attacks, with an average financial loss of $150,000 per incident. (Source: Hoxhunt Phishing Trends Report 2024)
Consider a recent incident where a company's finance department received an email appearing to be from a known vendor, requesting an urgent payment to a new bank account. The email was convincing, complete with official logos and signatures. Without verbal confirmation, the payment was processed, only to later discover it was a fraudulent request. (Source: FBI IC3 Report 2024)
This type of attack demonstrates why technology alone can't protect against phishing—human verification is the missing link.
While technological defenses are essential, human verification remains a critical line of defense against such attacks.
Here's how incorporating human checks can thwart phishing attempts:
If an email requests a financial transaction, cross-verify by calling the requester using a trusted phone number.
For internal requests involving sensitive data, discuss in person or via a secure communication channel.
Avoid using contact information provided within the suspicious email; instead, use previously known contacts.
Protecting your organization from phishing requires a multi-layered approach.
Here’s how to start:
Key Tips:
To reduce this risk:
In an era where phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated, blending technological defenses with human verification processes is vital. Encouraging a culture of vigilance and verification can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.
For comprehensive protection, consider partnering with cybersecurity experts who can provide tailored solutions and training to safeguard your organization against evolving threats.
📅 Book a chat with one of our cybersecurity specialists today.
Let’s get this out of the way: the latest and most advanced cybersecurity technologies alone aren’t enough to protect your business. That’s because even enterprise-grade security systems can sometimes be undermined by a single uninformed person within your organization.
Thankfully, there is a way to address that and keep your business safe.
The real secret to staying secure lies in the people within your organization. Building a positive online security culture transforms your workforce from a passive target into an active defense system. It turns cybersecurity into a shared responsibility rather than just an IT task.
Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a cybersecurity services provider with years of experience helping hundreds of businesses foster a culture of security awareness for their organizations. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of building a positive online security culture as well as the steps to make it happen for your business.
Cyber threats are as common as email. That's why fostering a positive online security culture is no longer optional—it’s essential. For businesses, especially small to midsize enterprises (SMEs), the consequences of a security breach can be catastrophic. It can range from financial losses and operational disruptions to reputational damage and legal liabilities.
According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach for small and medium-sized businesses is $4.88 million, including lost revenue and recovery expenses. Investing in security culture significantly reduces this risk.
Building a culture of online security awareness ensures that every employee understands the importance of protecting sensitive data. In turn, that could influence them into taking active measures to safeguard it. This culture shifts cybersecurity from being an IT responsibility to a shared organizational priority. Here's why cultivating this mindset is critical:
Now that we know why it’s important, let’s explore how businesses can build a robust online security culture.
Leadership plays a critical role in setting organizational priorities. If business owners and executives dismiss or ignore cybersecurity, employees will likely do the same. On the other hand, a proactive and engaged leadership team signals that online security is a shared responsibility.
When leaders set a good example–by using secure practices themselves and openly supporting security initiatives–it reinforces the message that online security is non-negotiable. In turn, employees will view cybersecurity as essential to their daily responsibilities when they see leadership prioritizing it.
How to Implement:
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber threats. With that in mind, you can’t expect them to succeed without providing the necessary training. Conducting regular security awareness training ensures they can recognize and respond to threats like phishing emails, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.
How to Implement:
Ambiguity breeds inconsistency. Clear policies provide employees with concrete guidelines on acceptable behavior. That ensures everyone across your organization is on the same page about their responsibilities. Having clear policies in place will effectively reduce the risk of security breaches caused by uninformed or negligent behavior. Not to mention, they can serve as a reference point in case of security incidents.
How to Implement:
When members of your team understand their role in maintaining security and are recognized for secure behaviors, they’re more likely to adopt and adhere to best practices. It creates a culture of accountability that turns cybersecurity into a collective goal.
How to Implement:
When security is woven into daily workflows, it becomes second nature. This reduces the likelihood of employees treating cybersecurity as an afterthought. It allows your team to naturally adopt secure practices, reducing vulnerabilities caused by oversight or complacency.
How to Implement:
Routine audits identify weaknesses in your systems, policies, and employee compliance, allowing you to address vulnerabilities proactively. They provide actionable insights to strengthen your organization’s security posture. In other words, they ensure your security measures stay effective and adapt to evolving threats.
How to Implement:
Cybersecurity requires specialized expertise that might be beyond your in-house team’s expertise. Working with a managed security services provider (MSSP) ensures your organization stays ahead of threats with advanced tools and strategies. It will strengthen your organization’s defenses, enabling your team to focus on core business operations.
How to Implement:
It can be costly, but building a positive online security culture is an investment in your organization’s longevity and success. If you successfully foster leadership-driven initiatives, empower employees, and leverage expert support, your organization can create an environment where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Need help taking your security culture to the next level? ITS has over two decades of experience fostering a security-first mindset. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. Or you can check out the following resources for more information on how to improve your cybersecurity efforts:
Expand Your Cybersecurity Knowledge
February 27, 2025, Thursday, 11:00 AM PT | 2:00 PM ET
The final CMMC 2.0 rule is here—don’t risk falling behind.
If your business works with the Department of Defense, updated cybersecurity requirements are now mandatory.
Avoid potential contract loss and penalties by understanding what’s changed and how to stay compliant.
March 11, 2025, Tuesday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
Golden Steer Steakhouse, Western Lounge Room
Want to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity while exploring how AI can drive smarter decisions?
Join industry leaders for an exclusive evening covering practical strategies to protect your business and leverage AI-driven innovations.
Network with peers, enjoy fine dining, and receive a complimentary professional headshot to update your profile.
Secure your spot—email events@itsasap.com with "Golden Steer Registration" in the subject line.
March 13, 2025, Thursday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT
The Stockyards Steakhouse, Rose Room
Is your business equipped to handle evolving cyber threats?
Discover how modern cybersecurity strategies can fortify your defenses and how AI-driven solutions are transforming business operations.
Connect with industry experts, enjoy a relaxed evening, and get a complimentary professional headshot while you're there.
Reserve your seat—email events@itsasap.com with "Stockyards Registration" in the subject line.
March 20, 2025, Thursday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET
Bourbon and cybersecurity? Now that’s a pairing worth toasting!
Join us for an exclusive virtual experience where cybersecurity experts will share practical strategies to protect your business—while you enjoy a guided bourbon tasting from the comfort of your home.
Sip, learn, and walk away with actionable tips to strengthen your defenses and enjoy a smoother path to cybersecurity success.
Reserve your spot and claim your complimentary cocktail kit!
(If you're on the East Coast, register by March 1st to ensure timely delivery)—email events@itsasap.com with "Virtual Cocktail Experience" in the subject line.