Year after year, the two most common threats that every SMB faces are phishing and malware. But these are not the same basic, easily detected attacks that you may be used to. Recent technological advancements have allowed threat actors to develop entirely new strategies that are far more difficult to identify or stop.
These modern threats require a stronger defence strategy. The security measures you leaned on in years past are no longer enough. So what is sufficient? What should you do to protect your business from advanced phishing attacks and more resilient malware?
Why SMBs Are Targeted
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often specifically targeted by threat actors over their larger cousins. But why? What makes them such an attractive target? The answer is typically some combination of the following:
- Modern SMBs have access to the same amount of high-value data as large corporations, thanks to technological developments within the last decade.
- Smaller businesses have limited resources and often poor knowledge of cyber security. This means their systems are less likely to be properly defended.
- Many SMB owners underestimate the danger. They assume their business is “Too small” to be attacked, and don’t bother with important security measures.
- Just as they cannot afford expensive security, SMBs often cannot spare the necessary resources to identify and punish attackers after experiencing a breach.
These factors make SMBs highly attractive targets. Threat actors see a big opportunity to pull off low-effort, high-impact attacks while suffering very little repercussion. The more advanced techniques developed within the last few years are only making it easier.
Advanced Phishing Techniques
The days of poorly translated “Nigerian Prince” scams are over. As tech literacy improves, threat actors are rising to the challenge with new methods designed to look more convincing. Ironically, their efforts are being assisted by the very same tool businesses use to improve their security: artificial intelligence (AI).
In the past, cybercriminals had no choice but to manually research their targets or create generic scams with no identifying information. This made them very easy to spot, as crucial details were often either missing or incorrect. Today, AI scans your online presence to collect all the data needed. It then automatically generates emails, SMS messages, and even calls designed just for you. Your staff must navigate:
- Emails that appear to come from the CEO, finance team, or IT department
- Messages that mimic trusted vendors or service providers
- Fake multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts
- Malicious calendar invites or shared cloud documents
These highly advanced scams can be almost entirely indistinguishable from the real thing.
Advanced Phishing Protection Strategies
Rather than relying on obvious spelling mistakes or generic greetings, you will need to adopt a more stringent approach:
- Training: Educate all employees on the classic warning signs of a phishing scam. This should include unsolicited contact, strange requests for personal information, attempts to induce a strong emotional response, stereotypical AI language, and unexpected links or attachments.
- Zero Trust Policies: Set a clear workplace standard that no unsolicited contact attempt should be trusted at face value. Expect all employees to independently verify and pass on information through a separate channel, instead of clicking on potentially malicious links or filling out suspicious forms.
- Access Controls: A hacked account is less dangerous if the employee in question does not have access to sensitive data or systems. Set up role-based access controls (RBAC) that minimise the potential harm of a successful attack.
- Tests and Simulations: Perform regular tests and simulations to determine which employees are most likely to fall for a phishing scam. Include fake malicious email attachments or links, and track who clicks on them. Provide additional training for these individuals.
- Digital Tools: There are a variety of digital tools available (such as Microsoft Defender for 365 users) that include anti-phishing features. Use these where possible to support your existing defences and reduce the risk associated with human error.
Modern Malware Tactics
Malware is also becoming increasingly advanced. Many harmful programs sneak onto company systems using highly convincing phishing scams. An employee clicks a link expecting to be taken to an interesting blog their boss sent, but has actually downloaded malicious software.
Once it has gained access to your network, today’s malware actively attempts to avoid detection. It may turn off event logs, or wait out the timer on your built-in threat detection software before beginning its assault. The harder it is to identify, the more easily it can carry out its overall goal.
Modern Malware Defence Strategies
Your best defence against malware is early detection. Use these strategies to lower your risk:
- Invest in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, to catch malware before it can cause harm.
- Continuously monitor systems for potential threats. AI can help with this, by using pattern recognition to identify suspicious anomalies.
- Perform routine patch management and software updates, to remove vulnerabilities that malware might exploit.
- Segment networks, so that threats can be quickly isolated from the rest of your IT infrastructure.
FAQs
What Are Some Advanced Phishing Techniques Used in 2025?
Advanced phishing attacks in 2025 often use AI technology to craft extremely sophisticated and personalised scams. They focus on believable scenarios and emotional manipulation that trick targets into acting quickly.
What Are Advanced Phishing Thresholds?
An advanced phishing threshold is a setting used by Microsoft Defender to determine how aggressively the software will respond to perceived threats. If using Defender, it is highly recommended that you make use of this setting.
Are Phishing and Malware Related?
Phishing and malware are often related. Phishing attacks are the main method by which malware is delivered to potential targets. Because of this, any strategy that protects you from phishing scams will also slightly reduce your risk of malware.
What is My Best Defence Against Malware?
Your best defence against malware is early detection. The faster you can identify and remove it, the less damage it can do. You can achieve this using EDR tools, continuous monitoring, and network segmentation. If you need help, consider reaching out to a managed service provider who specialises in security.
How Often Should Our Phishing and Malware Defence Strategy Be Updated?
You should update your phishing and malware defence strategy at least once a year, after any significant changes in the threat landscape, and immediately after experiencing an attack.
The Help You Need to Fend Off Advanced Attacks
Cyber threats are only becoming more frightening as time passes. But the good news is that defensive techniques are evolving just as quickly. Protecting your business is as simple as keeping up-to-date with the latest security methods, and implementing them quickly and efficiently. By building a layered defence, you drastically reduce the chances of a phishing attack or malware program taking you unaware.
If you’re worried about modern cyber-attacks, look no further. National IT Solutions’ dedicated experts are here to help. We partner with growing businesses to develop smart, flexible solutions that protect you against advanced threats. If that sounds intriguing, explore our security offerings.