What is Spear phishing?

Spear phishing scams target business professionals in order to steal their account credentials or install
malicious software. Thieves can then steal client data and the professional’s identity. They particularly like
to use the identity of tax professionals to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds.

Business professional can use these tips to help protect client data:

Use separate personal and business email accounts
Protect email accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Install an anti-phishing toolbar to help identify known phishing sites
Use security software products with anti-phishing tools
Use security software to help protect systems from malware and scan emails for viruses
Never open or download attachments from unknown senders, including potential clients, request
additional information to help verify their identity or call them to confirm the email is from them
Send password-protected and encrypted documents only
Don’t respond to suspicious or unknown emails; if the phishing email is IRS-related, save the
email as a file, attach that file to an email, and send to phishing@irs.gov.

If you’re looking for more information about how to protect your business from spear phishing, contact The Law Offices of Joseph A. Marra at 914-344-5145 !