Beyond Firewalls: Why Phishing Demands a People-First, Trust-Centric Response
Phishing remains one of the most pervasive and costly threats in cybersecurity. In 2024, phishing attacks surged by 202%, with credential-based phishing increasing by 703%, according to The 2024 Phishing Intelligence Report. These attacks are not only more frequent but also more sophisticated, leveraging AI to craft highly convincing messages that bypass traditional security measures.
And no organization is immune, not even the giants.
In late 2023, both MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment were hit by highly targeted phishing attacks. The attackers, posing as IT staff, tricked employees into revealing credentials, leading to widespread system disruption at MGM and a reported $15 million ransom paid by Caesars. It’s a stark reminder that even well-resourced enterprises can be breached if social engineering isn’t taken seriously.
Fast forward to 2025, and a wave of tax-themed phishing scams began circulating just ahead of the IRS’s April 15 filing deadline. Microsoft flagged campaigns using subject lines like “IRS Audit” to lure recipients into opening malware-laced attachments — part of a broader trend where attackers align phishing tactics with current events to boost click rates.
These examples show that phishing is evolving, and every inbox is a potential point of entry.
Recognizing Phishing Attempts
While technological defenses are essential, educating employees to recognize phishing attempts is equally crucial. Common indicators include:
- Suspicious sender addresses: Phishing emails often come from addresses that mimic legitimate ones. Always verify the sender’s email address carefully.
- Urgent language or unsolicited requests: Messages that pressure recipients to act immediately or provide personal information without prior contact are red flags.
- Poor formatting or inconsistent text: Phishing emails may exhibit poor grammar, awkward formatting, or text that doesn’t match the sender’s usual format or organization.
- Unexpected attachments or links: Be cautious with unexpected attachments or links. Hover over links to verify their destination before clicking.
Educating teams on these signs is one of the best defenses against phishing. Companies should dedicate resources to ensure that employees are well-versed in identifying phishing attempts and have access to advanced tools and platforms. A knowledgeable workforce acts as a strong first line of defense, complementing other security measures.
Building Brand Trust in a Cybersecurity-Conscious Environment
As phishing attacks and digital fraud continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for companies to build trust with email recipients. Some recipients may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of phishing attempts and delete unsolicited emails without even opening them, opting to avoid the risk altogether.
Ironically, one way to prevent this is by using your emails to build brand trust. According to Exclaimer’s research, 58% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand’s email when it includes a professional, branded signature. Consistent email signatures can play a critical role in conveying professionalism, reliability and authenticity in every communication.
By maintaining brand consistency across all digital touchpoints, including email, businesses can foster trust and loyalty with their audience, increasing the likelihood that their emails will be read.
Next Steps for a More Resilient Email Strategy
Phishing is not just a technical issue; it’s a multifaceted challenge that affects both security and brand trust. By combining employee education, technological defenses and consistent branding, organizations can create a robust defense against phishing threats.
