What is Phishing?
Phishing is a social engineering attack where criminals send deceptive emails or messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. These attacks often impersonate trusted organisations.
Why Phishing matters for Australian businesses
With cyberattacks on Australian businesses increasing year on year, understanding your security tools and strategies is critical. The Australian Cyber Security Centre reports an attack every six minutes, and small and medium businesses are increasingly targeted. Having the right defences in place is not optional — it is essential for protecting your data, your clients, and your reputation.
For small and medium businesses in particular, phishing plays a key role in maintaining a secure, efficient, and resilient IT environment. Whether you are reviewing your current setup or planning improvements, understanding phishing will help you have more informed conversations with your IT provider and make better decisions for your business.
Related terms
Ransomware • Vulnerability Assessment • MDR
How All IT Services can help
At All IT Services, we help businesses across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and regional NSW implement and manage phishing as part of our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. If you have questions about how phishing fits into your IT strategy, contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is phishing?
Phishing is a scam where attackers impersonate a trusted person or organisation, usually by email, to trick people into revealing passwords, clicking malicious links or transferring money.
How can we protect our business from phishing?
Combine technical controls such as email filtering, multi-factor authentication and link protection with regular staff training and a clear way to report suspicious messages. MFA alone blocks most account takeovers even if a password is phished.
What is spear phishing?
Spear phishing is a targeted attack aimed at a specific person, often in finance or an executive role, using personalised details to appear convincing. Business email compromise is a common and costly form.
What should staff do with a suspicious email?
Do not click links or open attachments. Report it through your internal process or to IT, then delete it. When in doubt, verify the request through a separate, known channel such as a phone call.