Orange County Business Owners: Are Your Employees Falling for Phishing Scams?

Have you ever wondered how many phishing scams your team faces every single day? The answer might be more alarming than you think.

In just the past year, the number of employees clicking on phishing links has tripled—and unfortunately, it’s businesses like yours that are paying the price.

Let’s Take a Step Back: What Is Phishing?

Phishing is when cybercriminals pretend to be someone trustworthy—like Microsoft or your bank—to trick people into handing over sensitive information such as login credentials or payment details.

Imagine this: one of your employees gets an email that looks exactly like it came from Microsoft. It asks them to log in to update security settings. They click the link, enter their username and password—and just like that, their information lands in the hands of scammers. That login? It could be the keys to your company’s data.

It’s Not Just Emails Anymore

Phishing is evolving, fast. While email is still a common tool for scammers, they’ve started popping up in search engine ads, social media posts, fake websites, online forms—even in comment sections on legitimate websites.

Why? Because employees are becoming more cautious with their inboxes—so attackers are looking for new ways to sneak in under the radar.

Why Are So Many People Falling for It?

Part of the reason is something we all understand: fatigue. When employees are bombarded with fake emails every day, it’s hard to stay on high alert all the time. And the scammers? They’ve gotten good. REALLY good. Their fake sites and emails can look nearly identical to the real thing.

Worse still, they’re now targeting platforms like Microsoft 365, which many Orange County businesses rely on daily. If they get access, the potential damage—from financial loss to customer data leaks—is massive.

Your Team Can Be Your Biggest Strength (or Weakness)

Here’s the truth: your employees are either your best line of defense—or your most vulnerable entry point.

If your team is trained and alert, they can spot phishing attempts before they cause harm. But if they’re caught off guard or unaware, one wrong click can open the door to serious consequences for your business.

So, What Can You Do?

1. Start With Training

Don’t just warn your team once and hope for the best. Give them the knowledge and tools they need to spot phishing scams—across emails, websites, and social media. Hold regular training sessions to keep everyone sharp and aware of the latest tactics.

2. Invest in Tools That Help

Security shouldn’t fall entirely on your employees’ shoulders. Implementing tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) can make a big difference. Even if a password is stolen, MFA adds a second layer of protection to keep attackers out.

Make sure your software is up-to-date, run regular security checks, and have a cybersecurity plan in place that fits your business.

Don’t Let Your Business Be the Next Victim

Phishing scams aren’t going anywhere—but with the right training and protections in place, your Orange County business can stay ahead of the game.

If you need help setting up employee training, securing your systems, or just figuring out where to start—we’re here to help.

About Newport Solutions

Newport Solutions has been helping small businesses in Orange County, CA for almost 20 years. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive IT services, ensuring your business operates smoothly and efficiently. From IT support to cybersecurity, we've got you covered. Discover how we can become your business's IT department today.

We proudly serve the following areas: Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and the greater Orange County region.

Contact Us to learn more.