Phishing tactics are growing, and “impersonation” is their sharpest tool.

In recent months, it seems more businesses are reporting phishing attempts targeting their operations, with bad actors posing as trusted contacts or clients. The result? Devastating losses in both data and finances. Impersonation has become the leading method because it works by exploiting human trust—attackers mimic familiar names, sending emails or messages that appear legitimate. This tactic lures victims into sharing sensitive information or even wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.

What makes phishing particularly dangerous today is the sophistication of these schemes. Gone are the days of broken grammar or clearly suspicious email addresses. Now, scammers mimic trusted executives, partners, and suppliers with chilling accuracy. In one example, a business thought they were fulfilling a routine request from a long-standing supplier, only to realize later they had wired funds to a scammer. In another example, a scammer acted like a client of a law firm where the fake client claimed a settlement occurred “just because the lawyer took the case.” The scammer sent a fraudulent check to the law firm, aiming for the lawyer to deposit it into the trust account and disburse the client’s share of the settlement before realizing the check was fake.

So, what can be done to prevent this? First, invest in employee training. Most phishing scams rely on human error—someone clicking on a malicious link or replying to a fake email. Teaching your team to spot phishing signs, such as inconsistencies in email addresses or unusual requests, can be a game changer. Additionally, using two-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security, ensuring even stolen credentials cannot easily be exploited. Finally, it is crucial to have a strong incident response plan in place to limit damage if a scam slips through.

Impersonation is on the rise and will likely continue to be a prolific method used in phishing attacks. It is vital to remain vigilant, stay educated, and arm your business with the best defenses against phishing scams because preparation is your strongest defense.

Your business depends on awareness.