Phishing is a regularly occurring event among several cybersecurity threats organisations face today. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, a staggering 85% of businesses that identified a data breach reported that this tactic was involved.
As an IT Security Manager or business leader, you’re well aware that phishing poses a significant risk to both your organisation’s data and its reputation. The good news is that by taking a few proactive measures, you can significantly strengthen your defences.
Deploy a robust email filtering solution
Most phishing attacks start with a deceptive email that attempts to lure employees into clicking a malicious link or opening an infected attachment. A robust email filtering solution helps identify and block suspicious emails before they reach the inbox. By implementing these tools, you can significantly reduce the chances of employees interacting with malicious emails.
Moreover, many email filtering solutions include features to protect against domain spoofing, which is particularly useful for safeguarding your organisation’s reputation and reducing the risk of attackers impersonating your business.
Use a business VPN to secure remote access
While a VPN doesn’t prevent phishing attacks, it’s an essential tool for securing remote work, particularly when employees are accessing company resources over public or unsecured networks. Cybercriminals often target employees working outside the office, where they might be using less secure Wi-Fi networks.
A business VPN encrypts all internet traffic, making it harder for attackers to intercept sensitive information like login credentials or corporate data. While this doesn’t stop phishing attempts, it does protect data from being stolen during transmission, particularly if users click on phishing links.
Run regular phishing simulation training
Employees remain the weakest link in the security chain, and according to the Office for National Statistics, employed adults are more likely to receive phishing messages than their unemployed counterparts.
Regular simulation training helps staff recognise and respond to suspicious emails effectively. By using real-life events, an awareness can be raised which tests how employees react in a controlled environment. This approach provides practical learning, reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.
Strengthening your organisation’s resilience to phishing
Phishing attacks are a persistent threat, but with the right security measures in place, you can significantly bolster your organisation’s resilience and minimise their impact.
By adopting a combination of robust technical solutions and ongoing staff training, you not only protect your systems but also prepare your team to recognise and respond to potential threats. This proactive approach will help you stay one step ahead of attackers, keeping your organisation’s sensitive data safe and your cybersecurity posture strong.
