THREATS from cyber security are evolving at an unprecedented rate - and it's essential that we're all prepared.

The most significant threat continues to be posed by compromised business emails.

This is likely to manifest itself mainly via fraudulent phishing emails seeking personal and financial details, as well as malware that's embedded in pictures, logos, and signatures.

But in addition, cyber criminals are increasingly targeting social media platforms as a source of information.

These stolen details are subsequently shared via the dark web.

So, the need to identify fraudulent emails as soon as they drop has now become essential – and bear in mind that these approaches are also increasingly being made via social media platforms.

Among the key takeaways I've recently garnered was that these phishing emails will frequently include a call to action due to your personal and financial details being leaked.

They will invariably apply pressure to resolve this situation as quickly as possible if you don't want your personal information to be placed at risk.

And you can also expect the email to be worded as if the attackers know your name and role within your organisation.

Consequently, it’s essential to think before you link or connect with people via social media…

If you’re approached, for example, by someone on LinkedIn that you don’t know, avoid being compromised by following the four 'Rs':

• Recognise the profile as a possible fake;
• Realise the potential threat;
• Report it to your security manager;
• Remove them from your network.

It’s also worth downloading the ‘Think before you link’ app, which has been produced by the UK government’s National Protective Security Authority.

Finally, it's imperative to:

• Treat all emails that ask you to click a link with distrust;
• Report suspicious emails to your manager and IT department;
• Do not forward them onto other colleagues;
• Do not click links or give out information to unsolicited calls or emails;
• Do not provide any information about your finances, IT or security at your organisation;
• Do not share details of who your manager or colleagues are;
• And if an email has been blocked by your email software take the advice of IT as it’s been stopped for a reason.

To learn more about the ‘Think before you link’ app go to https://thinkbeforeyoulink.app/ .