Spear phishing attacks can indeed be quite sophisticated, making them challenging to spot. Some common red flags include unusual sender addresses, unexpected attachments, and requests for sensitive information. Even slight anomalies in language or tone can be a tip-off, especially if you know the person supposedly sending the email.
In my experience, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. It’s also essential to verify any unusual requests directly through a different communication channel. Beyond that, educating employees about recognizing phishing attempts is invaluable.
Tools like Microsoft Advanced Threat Protection and Proofpoint can be effective in detecting and preventing these attacks. Keeping software updated and using email filtering are also crucial defenses.
It helps to review and rehearse your organization’s incident response plan regularly. If you suspect an attack, it’s important to report it immediately and disconnect affected devices from the network to contain any potential damage.
Have you come across any particular techniques or tools that stood out in your research?