How Spear Phishing Works, and Why It’s So Hard to Spot…
Something we talk about often at Netcare is cybersecurity.
And there's a reason for that.
Cybersecurity isn’t something to squeeze in at the end of a meeting agenda anymore. It’s something every business needs to lead with.
We often work with the kind of clients who guard serious information; think medical centres, law firms, and banks where trust and privacy aren’t optional.
Now add the number of people working in those environments, each juggling emails, client messages, and urgent requests, and you have a perfect storm for human error.
It’s surprisingly easy to click on the wrong link, open the wrong file, or reply to the wrong person.
Add to the fact that scammers are now using AI, their methods are becoming even more convincing. Their messages are more human, their tone is more natural, and the statistics around cyber incidents are... alarming.
A Quick Story
Imagine this.
You are halfway through a busy morning when an email lands in your inbox. It look like it’s from your boss. The tone is familiar; the signature looks right, even the timing makes sense.
“Can you process this invoice quickly? The client is waiting.”
You click the attachment without thinking twice. Maybe you will even reply. And at that moment, you unknowingly opened the door to your company’s network.
That is how spear phishing works. 🫣
But, What Is Spear Phishing Exactly?
Spear phishing is a targeted scam that focuses on specific people instead of large groups - it’s personal, convincing, and often looks like a message from someone you know or trust.
Instead of sending thousands of generic “You’ve won a prize” messages, scammers take time to research their victims. They might look at your LinkedIn profile, your company website, or even your social media accounts to craft an email that looks and sounds legitimate.
It could appear to come from your boss, accountant, or a trusted supplier. It might reference a current project or include a familiar file name. The goal is simple: to convince you to click, download, or share something you shouldn’t, such as login details, payment information, or sensitive data.
Spear phishing works so effectively because it feels personal. Even experienced, cautious people fall for it because it appears authentic.
How to Stay Safe
Awareness is one of the best forms of protection. A few small habits can make a big difference:
Always double-check the sender’s email address. Scammers often mimic real names but change a single character in the address.
Pause before you click. Hover over links or attachments to see the actual destination.
Verify the request outside the email. Contact the person by phone or another communication channel if something feels unusual.
Educate your team. The more people who understand what to look for, the stronger your defence becomes. 💪
Final Thought
Cybersecurity is not just about software and firewalls. It is about people. The best defence begins with awareness, consistent habits, and a healthy sense of caution.
Nobody knows you as well as your scammer, but with the right mindset and the right tools, you can make sure they never get the upper hand.
And Remember:
Your people are your first line of defence. Talk to us about cybersecurity training that really works.