A layered approach to reducing phishing risk. Email authentication records, Microsoft 365 security checks, MFA, DNS filtering, staff training and phishing simulations.
Phishing protection is layered. No single tool blocks everything, but the right mix of email configuration, user training, MFA, DNS records and support can significantly reduce the risk.
Most phishing attacks targeting small businesses rely on one of a few common tactics. Understanding those tactics makes it easier to explain why each layer of protection matters.
Convincing copies of the Microsoft login page that steal credentials. Often triggered by a phishing email claiming the account has been locked or unusual activity detected.
Emails appearing to come from a known supplier requesting a change to bank details, or submitting a fraudulent invoice. Difficult to detect without checking directly with the supplier.
Attacker impersonates a director or senior contact asking for an urgent payment or transfer. Usually uses a look-alike email address or a compromised account.
PDF, Word or Excel files containing malware or links to malicious content. Often sent via a spoofed or compromised email address to build trust.
Correct DNS records stop attackers from spoofing your domain to target your customers or partners, and help receiving mail servers identify suspicious inbound email.
p=reject, failing email is rejected outright rather than deliveredMany small businesses have SPF configured but DMARC either missing or set to p=none, which means failures are reported but not acted on. Getting DMARC to enforcement significantly strengthens outbound email trust.
Phishing site domains are blocked at DNS level before any content loads. If a staff member clicks a phishing link, the domain is checked against threat intelligence lists and blocked if it matches a known threat. This works across all devices on the network.
If a phishing email successfully captures credentials, MFA prevents the attacker from logging in with just those credentials. This single control significantly reduces the impact of a successful credential phishing attack.
Technical controls reduce but do not eliminate the risk of a staff member clicking a phishing link. Training and periodic simulations help staff develop better habits over time. See our security awareness and phishing training page for full details.
Having a clear, simple process for staff to report suspicious emails matters. Most people who receive something suspicious do nothing because they are not sure what to do. A one-click reporting option in Outlook or a simple instruction helps capture intelligence and protect others in the organisation.
Ring us and we will check your current SPF, DKIM and DMARC records, review your Microsoft 365 security settings, and explain where the gaps are. Straight answers, no sales pressure.
DMARC is a DNS record that tells receiving mail servers what to do when an email fails SPF or DKIM authentication checks. At enforcement level (p=reject), failing emails are rejected outright. This stops attackers spoofing your domain to target your customers or staff. Many businesses have SPF set up but DMARC missing or set to p=none, which means failures are logged but not acted on.
MFA significantly reduces the damage when credentials are stolen via phishing. Even if a staff member enters their username and password on a fake login page, the attacker cannot log in without the second factor. MFA on Microsoft 365 accounts is one of the most effective single controls available and is straightforward to enforce through Microsoft 365 admin settings.
Business email compromise is where an attacker impersonates a senior person or supplier to request an urgent payment. It often uses a look-alike email address or a genuinely compromised account. Traditional antivirus cannot detect it because no malware is involved. Staff training, clear verification processes for payment requests, and MFA on email accounts are the main defences.
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