Phishing Attack Prevention Best Practices for SMBs

This legacy advisory documents how i-NETT, formerly Voice Smart Networks, shared early guidance on reducing phishing-related cyber incidents affecting small and mid-sized businesses.

At the time of publication, phishing was the most common entry point for broader cyberattacks targeting business users. Attackers relied on deceptive emails designed to appear legitimate and persuade recipients to disclose credentials, financial information, or sensitive access details.

Industry research cited during this period showed that the majority of successful cyber incidents originated from phishing emails rather than direct system exploitation. This highlighted employee behavior as a critical factor in overall security posture, not just technical controls.

The advisory outlined three recurring indicators present in most phishing attempts. These included mismatched sender details, urgency-driven messaging, and links or attachments that redirected users to malicious destinations. Emphasis was placed on employee awareness as a primary risk-reduction measure.

Rather than positioning phishing as a purely technical issue, the guidance framed it as an organizational exposure tied to training, visibility, and response readiness. These principles align with long-standing approaches to email security awareness and broader security and compliance practices.

This content reflects an early effort to educate business leaders on the human factors behind cybersecurity incidents during a period of increasing email-based threats.