Phishing attacks have increased in 2024, with cybercriminals using sophisticated tactics like AI tools, deepfakes, QR codes, and multi-channel approaches. A report from Egress reveals a 28% increase in phishing emails between Q1 and Q2 2024, with businesses receiving up to 36 phishing emails daily. Larger organizations face significant challenges as attackers bypass secure email gateways using methods like HTML smuggling. The AI and social engineering-driven “payloadless” attacks are on the rise. Businesses must improve security measures and raise employee awareness to protect against these growing threats.
In this blog, we will get to know about the top 10 phishing Attack Tools and the reason behind phishing attacks
Why Phishing Attacks Are a Major Threat?
Phishing is successful for several reasons. Here are some common reasons why phishing attacks are a major threat:
1. Relies on Social Engineering
Phishing attacks exploit human psychology by manipulating emotions such as fear, urgency, or curiosity, tricking victims into taking harmful actions.
2. Bypass Traditional Defenses
Most phishing attempts appear legal, making them difficult to detect and able to bypass conventional security measures.
3. Business Impact
Successful phishing attacks can lead to serious consequences for businesses, including data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
4. Importance of Protection
Phishing attack tools are necessary for identifying threats early, preventing escalation, and safeguarding against significant setbacks.
How to Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks?
One of the most important steps in preventing phishing is to use the right phishing attack tools. These tools can help identify and block phishing attempts, protect your brand, and train employees about phishing attempts. It is also necessary to implement some practices, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of damage if an attack is successful.
Phishing attack tools like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) and other email security systems can help authenticate emails and prevent fraudulent messages from reaching your inbox. Educating employees on identifying phishing attempts and implementing advanced security techniques can reduce risk.
Top 10 Phishing Attack Tools for 2024
Let’s take a look at the phishing attack tools that can help your organization stay safe.
1. Avanan
Avanan is an advanced anti-phishing solution that integrates with your existing email services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. By using AI and machine learning, Avanan can identify phishing emails before they reach your inbox. It analyzes relationships between senders and receivers, checking if the sender’s domain is trusted. The tool also protects against phishing attempts via platforms like Teams or Slack, which are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.
2. Barracuda Email Protection
Barracuda Email Protection offers a powerful defense against various types of phishing attacks, including spear phishing and business email compromise (BEC). It uses machine learning to detect suspicious activity and deploys DMARC analysis to protect your brand. The tool also provides domain fraud prevention, helping to reduce the risk of important accounts being used in phishing attempts.
3. BrandShield
BrandShield focuses on protecting your brand from phishing attacks by monitoring email, social media, and even harmful sites. By detecting fraudulent messages that mimic your company or executives, BrandShield helps you reduce the risk of brand mimicry attacks. The tool also scans online marketplaces like Amazon for fake products that might harm your brand’s reputation.
4. Cofense PDR
Cofense PDR (Phishing Detection and Response) is a managed service that uses both AI tools and human analysts to detect and respond to phishing attacks in real time. With Cofense, you can identify phishing threats quickly and take immediate action to minimize damage. Its managed service ensures that the response is swift and complete, which reduces the risks of a successful attack.
5. Outseer FraudAction
Outseer FraudAction (formerly RSA FraudAction) is a top-tier anti-phishing tool that provides a full range of security services, from site shutdowns to forensic analysis. Outseer’s managed services also include active countermeasures, such as tracking phishing attempts and setting credentials to follow the attack chain. This approach helps businesses to avoid escalation of phishing attacks.
6. IRONSCALES
IRONSCALES is an email security platform designed to enhance existing email systems. With dynamic detection and automated analysis, IRONSCALES can block or point out phishing emails before they cause harm. It also provides end-user training, strengthening your organization’s defenses against social engineering tactics commonly used in phishing attacks.
7. KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is one of the most recognized names in the cybersecurity space. It offers complete phishing awareness training and a phishing simulation platform. Through these training programs, employees learn how to identify phishing attempts, reducing the risk of human error. Additionally, KnowBe4’s PhishER platform helps businesses automate their phishing attack response, making it easier for security teams to reduce threats.
8. Mimecast
Mimecast offers a range of solutions to protect against phishing, including malware scanning, URL protection, and advanced sandboxing. Its key feature is to neutralize phishing links and attachments. Emails containing malicious content are flagged or removed. The tool’s cloud-based system simplifies deployment and ensures protection.
9. Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers advanced threat protection for Office 365 users. The tool provides phishing detection, security policies, and threat analysis to help identify and reduce phishing attempts. Microsoft Defender is seamlessly integrated into Office 365, offering ease of use and preset security policies for faster deployment. It also includes options for phishing awareness training, making it a great tool for businesses already using Microsoft services.
10. Valimail
Valimail focuses on email authentication, helping businesses implement and enforce DMARC policies to protect their domains from phishing attacks. It aggregates and generates daily DMARC reports, giving businesses the visibility they need to detect potential phishing threats. Valimail also offers BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), which increases trust in your emails by displaying your brand’s logo in inboxes, reassuring recipients that emails are legitimate.
Conclusion
Phishing remains a major threat to businesses worldwide, but with the right phishing attack tools, you can protect your organization, customers, and brand from potential harm. Whether it’s through advanced email protection, employee training, or brand monitoring, these tools offer defenses against phishing attacks.
Remember, while technology plays a vital role in defending against phishing, educating your employees and regularly reviewing your security practices is just also important. By using the right phishing attack tools, you can reduce the risk and safeguard your business from the growing threat of phishing attacks.
