Essential email and web browser protections based on CIS Control 9 help SMBs guard against phishing, malware, and cyber threats.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks through email and web browsers. Often lacking the resources of larger firms, SMBs must prioritize practical security steps to reduce risks of breaches and data loss.
Practical Action Steps:
Ensure all employees use fully updated browsers and email clients.
Deploy SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication protocols.
Use DNS and URL filtering to block access to malicious websites.
Limit browser extensions to only those essential for business.
Scan inbound email for malware, blocking dangerous attachments and links.
Provide ongoing phishing awareness training to employees.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email accounts.
Client Questions & Answers:
Q: What are the most common email threats? A: Phishing attacks and malware-laden attachments remain top threats.
Q: Can small businesses really defend against these risks? A: Yes, with best practices and right technology, SMBs can build strong defenses.
How Farmhouse Networking Can Help: We specialize in helping SMBs implement tailored email and browser protections per CIS guidelines, maximizing security without overcomplicating your IT environment. Our experts work with your team to improve security posture and train employees.
Call to Action: Reach out to support@farmhousenetworking.com now to start securing your business email and browsing environment.
Using the SLAM method to detect spam emails helps businesses avoid phishing scams and fraudulent invoice payments.
Here is a lesson in the kind of SPAM that AI can generate. It is very well crafted and almost fooled one of our clients into sending almost $50,000 to a hacker. Here is the redacted version of the email:
Identifying Spam Emails with the SLAM Method for Business ProtectionUsing the SLAM method to detect spam emails helps businesses avoid phishing scams and fraudulent invoice payments.Using the SLAM method to detect spam emails helps businesses avoid phishing scams and fraudulent invoice payments.
Using the Slam Method
Spam emails often disguise themselves as legitimate business communication, especially when involving payments. Below is a breakdown of how to use the SLAM method to identify red flags in a suspicious email like the example provided.
S: Sender Details
Verify the sender’s email address and domain for authenticity. In this case, the sender’s domain “sequoits.com” is unusual compared to the company’s expected domain, which raises suspicion.
L: Links and Addresses
Check the email addresses mentioned for accuracy. For example, the email uses “first.last@companyname.com” which does not exist, while the real address is “first@companyname.com” This mismatch is a strong indicator of spam.
A: Attachments and Amounts
Be cautious about unexpected invoices or payment requests. The invoice number and amount ($49,130) should be cross-verified with company records before any payment is processed.
M: Message Content and Tone
Look for urgency and unusual requests. The email pressures the recipient to process an overdue payment quickly, a classic tactic used in phishing or scam emails.
By carefully analyzing these elements using the SLAM method, businesses can avoid falling victim to phishing scams and fraudulent invoice schemes.
To protect your business from phishing scams and fraudulent invoices, learn how Farmhouse Networking can strengthen your email security and payment verification processes. Contact us today at support@farmhousenetworking.com for expert solutions tailored to safeguard your company’s financial communications.
Small businesses rely on professional email security to protect customer and financial data from phishing and hacks.
You’re running your business, responding to client messages, when suddenly strange duplicate messages and failed delivery emails flood your inbox. This is what happened to a business owner who discovered her emails—including sensitive financial data—were silently copied to hackers for weeks without her knowledge.
For small and midsized businesses (SMBs), this type of attack can result in financial loss, leaked company secrets, and damaged relationships with clients.
What Happened in This Email Breach
Hackers guessed or stole an email password.
They set up secret rules to forward every incoming message.
Confidential information like Social Security numbers, tax data, and financial records were exposed.
Farmhouse Networking responded by:
Removing malicious rules.
Securing the account with new password protections and recovery options.
Advising the business owner on how to monitor for ongoing fraud.
Practical Steps for SMBs
SMBs aren’t too small to be targeted. In fact, they’re often prime targets. Protect your business with these key actions:
Set strong passwords and enable MFA: Critical first layer of defense.
Regularly review email rules: Look for forwarding or auto-delete actions you didn’t create.
Encrypt sensitive documents: Especially contracts, employee data, and customer details.
Train employees: Staff should recognize phishing emails before they trigger a hack.
Backup systems: Ensure backups of both email and company files are offline-protected.
Have an incident response plan: Know what to do if a breach occurs.
Questions Your Clients May Ask
“Did hackers see my information?” If emails contained contracts, billing, or sensitive attachments—possibly.
“Could this affect my payments or records?” Yes. Compromised invoices or payment requests can be used in fraud scams.
“Can clients continue to trust our company?” By demonstrating enhanced security measures and a clear recovery plan, clients can regain confidence.
How Farmhouse Networking Helps SMBs
Farmhouse Networking empowers SMBs with:
Affordable enterprise-grade email security.
24/7 monitoring for account breaches.
Employee training to reduce phishing success rates.
Scalable security solutions for growing businesses.
Your business reputation is too valuable to be left to chance. Secure your email systems and protect your clients’ trust with Farmhouse Networking. Reach out today at support@farmhousenetworking.com.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10
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