Phishing protection for SMEs is critical today because phishing scams don’t come with warning labels—they’re designed to look like everyday emails. So, let’s play a game for a second.
Imagine you get an email from your manager. It looks legit. The logo is there, the tone sounds right, and it says something urgent like:
“Hey, can you process this payment ASAP? I’m in a meeting, but this needs to be done now.”
You’re busy, your guard is down, and you click.
Oops.
That’s how phishing works. It’s not about tricking people who don’t care about security—it’s about catching busy people off guard. And unfortunately, phishing scams are getting smarter by the day.
So, What About Google’s Phishing Quiz?
If you haven’t tried it, Google’s Phishing Quiz is a fun (and slightly stressful) way to test your scam-spotting skills. It presents you with 10 example emails and asks:
“Is this safe, or is this a scam?”
Some are easy. You can spot the fake bank logos or the weird email addresses. Others are sneakier—like a perfectly normal-looking Google Drive link or an invoice from a supplier you’ve actually used before.
We’ve taken the quiz at Viatec, and even seasoned IT pros sometimes get caught out. And in real life? That one click can cause serious damage.
Phishing Attacks Are On the Rise
Cybercriminals love phishing because it works.
In fact, the National Cyber Security Centre of Ireland reports a 50% increase in phishing attacks targeting SMEs over the past year. Why SMEs? Because small and medium-sized businesses often don’t have the same level of training, security, or IT resources as large enterprises.
Phishing scams have moved beyond the old “Nigerian prince” emails. They’re now:
- Sophisticated
- Professionally written
- Often customised to your business
Some scammers even monitor your company’s LinkedIn posts and website updates to tailor fake emails that look incredibly real.
What’s at Risk?
A single phishing email can lead to:
- Data breaches, exposing sensitive customer information
- Stolen login details, allowing hackers to access your systems
- Financial fraud, with fake invoices or diverted payments
- Ransomware attacks, locking your files until you pay a ransom
- Reputational damage, losing customer trust if their data is leaked
SMEs are especially vulnerable because they often think: “We’re too small to be targeted.”
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what makes them an easy mark.
Awareness Isn’t Enough
Don’t get us wrong—Google’s quiz is a great start. It opens your eyes to how clever phishing scams can be.
But here’s the catch: phishing isn’t a one-time test. It’s a daily threat.
Cybercriminals change tactics constantly. One week it’s fake bank alerts, the next it’s fake Microsoft 365 login pages or scam delivery notifications. And with remote working on the rise, it’s easier than ever for attackers to catch people off guard.
Your team needs more than a quiz—they need ongoing training, practical tools, and real-world practice to build lasting cyber awareness.
Why Email Filtering Isn’t Enough Either
You might be thinking, “Don’t email security systems block this stuff?”
Sometimes, yes. But phishing scams are designed to bypass filters. They use:
- Legitimate-looking domains
- Clever wording that avoids typical spam triggers
- Social engineering to create urgency and panic
That’s why your first line of defence is actually your employees. They’re the ones making split-second decisions about which emails to trust.
The goal isn’t just to stop phishing emails—it’s to build a team that knows how to spot them.
Phishing and Remote Work: A Dangerous Combo
Flexible working has made phishing attacks even more effective. Why?
- People are more distracted when working from home
- It’s easier to spoof a boss’s email when no one can just pop into their office to check
- Staff might use personal devices that aren’t properly protected
According to Microsoft, 80% of SMEs now offer flexible work—but only 40% feel confident in their cybersecurity protections. That gap is where phishing thrives.
Conclusion: Go Beyond Awareness—Build Real Protection
Phishing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s only getting more sophisticated.
The solution isn’t panic—it’s preparation.
At Viatec, we help Irish SMEs go beyond one-time training and quizzes. Our Modern Workplace solution builds real security into your daily operations with phishing simulations, staff training, advanced protection, and safe cloud backup.
Let’s make cybersecurity a normal part of your workflow—not an afterthought.
Contact us today and let’s have a chat about keeping your business safe.
