Phishing URLs Increase 640% as Organizations (Finally!) Embrace Security Awareness Training



webroot-reportThe latest data from security vendor Webroot shows how cybercriminals are changing their attack methods and targets – and how Security Awareness Training makes the difference.

Webroot’s review of 2019 shows some interesting trends that will likely continue into 2020. According to the 2020 Webroot Threat Report, a few eye-opening stats come to light:

  • Phishing Sites Are Constantly Changing – With more than a six-fold increase in the number of URLs used for phishing scams, it become increasingly difficult to simply stop an attack based on web address.
  • Don’t use an older OS – Windows 7 is three times as likely to be attacked than Windows 10, with Webroot seeing a 125 percent increase in malware targeting Windows 7. With support for Windows 7 ending last month, this becomes worrisome if organizations remain on this unsupported OS.
  • The same users become victims – Nearly half (49.6%) of business PCs that encountered an infection, did so two or more times in 2019.
  • It only takes one PC – 93.6 percent of malware detections only involve a single PC.

Webroot does mention Gartner’s prediction that “by 2022, 60% of enterprise organizations will have comprehensive security awareness training programs,” citing the value of ongoing Security Awareness Training.

A recent in-depth KnowBe4 research project showed that nearly 38% of users who have not taken Security Awareness Training will fail a simulated phishing attack. But only 14% of those same users will fail within 90 days of completing their first KnowBe4 security awareness training. After at least a year on the KnowBe4 platform only 4.7% of those users will fail a phishing test.

The data here is strong – your users are still your weakest link, becoming victims time and time again. Through the use of New-school Security Awareness Training, your organization can significantly reduce the threat surface created through phishing attacks.


Free Phishing Security Test

Would your users fall for convincing phishing attacks? Take the first step now and find out before bad actors do. Plus, see how you stack up against your peers with phishing Industry Benchmarks. The Phish-prone percentage is usually higher than you expect and is great ammo to get budget.

PST ResultsHere's how it works:

  • Immediately start your test for up to 100 users (no need to talk to anyone)
  • Select from 20+ languages and customize the phishing test template based on your environment
  • Choose the landing page your users see after they click
  • Show users which red flags they missed, or a 404 page
  • Get a PDF emailed to you in 24 hours with your Phish-prone % and charts to share with management
  • See how your organization compares to others in your industry

Go Phishing Now!

PS: Don't like to click on redirected buttons? Cut & Paste this link in your browser:

https://www.knowbe4.com/phishing-security-test-offer



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