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The Importance of Protecting Your Business from Email Based Phishing Attacks

Aug 29, 2020

The rapid switch to working from home is not without its unforeseen drawbacks. Workers are now using email services on “untrusted” devices, as well as networks, and sending an increased amount of sensitive data through it. Remote workers may be turning to email to communicate confidential data instead of secure methods generally available when in the office.

The best way to avoid personal liability, and unnecessary business litigation, is that your business’s activities are protected. Nick Heimlich Law knows how to aid clients in ensuring they are protected from personal liability, learn more by speaking to a San Jose Corporate Litigation lawyer.

Being popular is not always a good thing. Email services are also one of the most common attack vectors used by cybercriminals looking to get access to valuable internal company data and resources or to deceive a company and its employees out of money. There are various types of attacks that can be employed, and nearly as many ways to prevent them. This post focuses on a specific kind of attack called phishing. Phishing is an effective attack method often carried out via email services, mainly due to the COVID-19 crisis.

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What is Phishing?

There are various sub-types of phishing attacks, but they all rely on a practice called social engineering. Social engineering is used to deceive a person into doing things that advance the attackers’ interests. For instance, an attacker may create an email disguised to look like an email from a different service. The email contains an action item for the recipient, such as an attached file to approve or a link to reset your password.  Phishing attacks are often made based on educated guesses using information they already know about their target.

1. Protect Yourself Through Company Policy
Ensure that you have a company policy, which a business litigator can help you do. Your policy should specify what email services should and should not be used for. Include corporate litigation language that addresses some common types of phishing. Examples include:

  • Personal favors from executive-level employees such as the purchase of gift cards etc.
  • Invoice payment requests.
  • Emails asking to change your password.
  • Emails asking to follow a link to open a document or open an attachment.

You can notice that these are all examples that may be legitimate use cases for email services. Remember, looking reasonable is how phishing attacks work. The key is to differentiate a valid request from an illegitimate one by spotting the inconsistencies. Alongside a corporate litigation attorney, you can define limits and procedures for these items in your company’s policies.

2. Reduce the Amount of Available Information
There is a general theory that nothing is unhackable. Hackers are not an unintelligent bunch, and now we are continually playing catch up with them. They invent new ways to exploit, and we then respond to it in turn. The easiest method of preventing a data breach, and having to hire a litigation lawyer for protection,  is not to have the data at all. Go through and permanently delete your old unneeded emails often. Of course, based on your business needs, this is not always an option, but in any case, having a proper data loss prevention procedure along with deletion policies and email archival can mean the difference between a costly disaster and a minor, single-user, breach.

Final Thoughts

Remember that email security is a broad subject. There are many different ways cybercriminals use phishing along with other methods. Also, keep in mind that email can be a safe platform to transmit sensitive data if all necessary precautions are taken.

This article is not an exhaustive guide on email security–phishing is just one piece of it. Luckily, it is something that you can make substantial gains in preparedness and prevention right away by creating awareness and enhancing policy. As with any platform, proper risk management, planning, and preparedness with litigation lawyer help is the only way to make sure that your company is not operating with unnecessarily high risk. Also, keep in mind the importance of the dangers of violating corporate bylaws because they can result in business litigation. Have you heard about the new gig economy? Consider reading our article that speaks on this law and how it could affect your company.

At the Law offices of Nick Heimlich, we’re here to guide you through the process of handling any business litigation case or legal action. You may also reach us through phone at 408-457-9364 or send us the information inquiry via fax at 408-841-7630. Feel free to also send us an email at info@nickheimlichlaw.com.

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Mark Pirie
Mark Pirie
1749620628
Like most every other lawyer I have contacted, Nick believes he knows everything even though he does not. Worst, he does not even put in the effort, at least with me, for his million-dollar equivalent of hourly rate. He would not even read the documents he requested that I send him, he freely admitted so, and waited five days to let me know. In those five days, he changed his mind on so many things, ultimately threatening to quit twice before I had even signed the retainer agreement.Nick does not know how to read the simplest of California statutes and comprehend them nor understand differentiating between behaviors typical in contract disputes (i.e. contract breach versus fraud), and I believe because he chose to take the easier path where he could still charge the fees that he wanted to charge but give me less value regardless of what the facts of the case requires. This, however, was not an easy admission, but something that went against every grain of his ego: he would not admit when he was caught in the simplest of not knowing or being in error about a fact. He constantly accused me of making assumptions when it was he who knew 1-2% about my case, a case that I had already gotten terminated via material breach by the other party. But Nick thinks he knows more about my case than I do... it was quite unbelievable to hear his lack of humility.Nick ego consistently requires immodesty, and that became apparent in our final conversation that degraded because of his mercurial personality and reneging.I am so glad this happened now instead of after paying his retainer.
Safet Krajinic
Safet Krajinic
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Nicholas was professional, honest, and easy to work with. He clearly explained the legal aspects of my business case and provided trustworthy guidance throughout. I highly recommend him and his team.
Rosa Welch
Rosa Welch
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When I needed a corporate law attorney in San Jose, a buddy recommended Nick, and I am very glad they did! His team assisted me with a real estate dispute that could have been terrible for my business. I am very happy with this law firm!
CHANDRA Kelsey
CHANDRA Kelsey
1741217163
Such a nice and informative lawyer! Called me back in less than 20min and walked me through the steps I needed to handle my case. Friendly and knowledgeable, would highly recommend to anyone looking for legal advice.
Nicholas Ajlouny
Nicholas Ajlouny
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An amazing professional
Ifeanyichukwu Freda
Ifeanyichukwu Freda
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My wife and I run a family business, and Nick has been our business lawyer for a long time now. He's helped us with everything from employment agreements to vendor contracts. Its like having a legal expert on speed dial! Huge shoutout to Nick and his team!
M. Zaid
M. Zaid
1733818517
I couldn’t be happier with the representation I received from Nicholas D. Heimlich. His expertise and strategic approach were invaluable. He made a stressful situation manageable with clear communication and dedication.
Ahmer Ali
Ahmer Ali
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Nicholas Heimlich and his team provided outstanding legal support for my business. They were thorough, professional, and kept me informed at every step. The results exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!
C O Lee Boyce Jr
C O Lee Boyce Jr
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Nick provided me sage advice with my issue. He was efficient, thoughtful, and good natured about the whole process.
David Duckworth
David Duckworth
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I recently received legal advice from Nick and he was very professional and easy to talk to. He gave us great advice and I would definitely use him again if needed. Thank you Nick!
Rebecca Bauer
Rebecca Bauer
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Nick was excellent! Very knowledgeable, asks great questions, and quickly understood the situation and was able to give great advice. I so appreciated his time, insight, and expertise in assisting with our situation. Highly recommend!
Charles Chen
Charles Chen
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Mr. Heimlich has been very responsive to my case and provided extraordinarily useful advice. Thank you!
Mario Cassara
Mario Cassara
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Nick Heimlich was very professional and knowledgeable in my case. He left a lot of the worrisome I had in my case to the expert and was very good at what he does. I will recommend Nick to anyone who needs council!Much appreciative,Mario
Taryn Harada
Taryn Harada
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This was the first time ever needing a lawyer for something, I was a bit frantic and overwhelmed with everything going on, but Nick and his team were very professional and honest, and made me feel at ease about my case. They were even professional and cool with the opposing attorney even though she was being unprofessional at times. In the end, they were able to settle my case and bring me a satisfying outcome. If you're ever in a bind and need a business lawyer, I highly recommend Nick and his team.
Rami Gideoni
Rami Gideoni
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I needed some legal consultation and per recommendation I received, I have approached Nicholas. He got back to me quickly and provided great service, he was patient, professional and knowledgeable. His advise is much appreciated, it cleared the situation, draw the next steps to follow and placed my mind to peace .I would definitely recommend his service.
I A
I A
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Nick answered all of my questions with direct and concise answers to my situation. Thank you!
Abe Honest
Abe Honest
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Mr Heimlich was very professional kind and knowledgeable when I give him a call. I was calling to hire an attorney for an tenant and landlord dispute. I had a particular issue that Mr Heimlich took time to completely listen to me. unfortunately the area I needed help was not an area that Mr Nick practiced. but he was not hesitant to give me some leads and direct me to the right place. he's a man of character and cares about what he does, I can only imagine his level of excellence in his area of expertise. he's a man of great character and I would recommend him for anyone to give him a call and talk to him. thank you very much Nick. thank you for caring .
Tilo S
Tilo S
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Nick was very helpful when I needed legal advice.Thank you!
Bay Small Moves
Bay Small Moves
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Andyn79 Nguyen
Andyn79 Nguyen
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He wasn't able to take me as a client but had about 10 mins so he told me tell me and just from that i was able to be clear and did win from really dishonest people. So i am thank you telling the truth gets it's own reward
M C
M C
1557509659
I entered into a membership contract that had unreasonable cancellation requirements. I went to Nick through my company’s employee assistance program. Nick did thorough research and found that the contract term exceeded term limits allowed by California law. As a result, I was able to cancel the contract without any penalty. I was very satisfied with the outcome.
Mark Brown
Mark Brown
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Nick was very helpful when I needed assistance dissolving an LLC. Not only did he create the appropriate documentation, but he educated me on the process. His guidance was invaluable, and everything resolved smoothly. I would certainly use his services again in the future.
Bonnie Nevitt
Bonnie Nevitt
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My family cannot thank Nick enough. We needed a business litigation attorney for a lawsuit that was going to trial, he not only took the time to understand the complexities of the case but was able to convey that to the judge. He was able to get us amazing results. Hands down the best attorney we have ever worked with.
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