At Wallter, we help online businesses stay safe in today’s fast-moving digital world by offering secure B2B banking solutions and sharing practical knowledge to fight online threats. In 2025, cyberattacks are getting smarter — many now use artificial intelligence (AI) to trick people and break into systems faster than ever before.

One of the biggest dangers is phishing — when criminals pretend to be someone you trust to steal sensitive information like login details or bank account numbers. These attacks are becoming harder to spot, and every online business needs to be ready.

The Persistent Threat of Phishing Against Financial Institutions

Phishing campaigns targeting financial service providers are growing not just in number, but in sophistication. Attackers now leverage:

• AI-generated emails tailored to your business operations

• Spoofed websites and cloned branding assets

• Mobile phishing (smishing) and voice phishing (vishing)

• Deepfake-enhanced impersonation for social engineering

The goal? To deceive your team into:

• Revealing login credentials and MFA codes

• Disclosing bank account or credit card details

• Downloading malware through disguised attachments

• Transferring funds to attacker-controlled accounts

📊 Cybersecurity Figures Online Businesses Should Know

• Increase in Targeted Attacks: Industry reports indicate a rise in phishing activity with increasingly advanced tactics.
• Cost of Data Breaches: The average cost of a data breach for SMBs can range from $120,000 to $1.24 million, depending on the severity.
• Prevalence of Mobile Phishing: Mobile-targeted phishing (mishing) represents a significant portion of threats, with smishing attacks rising substantially.

Examples of Phishing Attacks Targeting Financial Institutions

Being able to identify a phishing attempt is the first line of defense. Here are some common scenarios online businesses might encounter:

• Fake Urgent Security Alerts: An email seemingly from your bank warns of suspicious activity on your account and urges you to click a link to verify your details immediately. The link directs you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your login credentials.
• Invoice Scams: Attackers impersonate suppliers or partners, sending fake invoices with altered payment details, tricking you into sending funds to their accounts. These emails often look very similar to legitimate invoices.
• CEO Fraud (Business Email Compromise – BEC): Cybercriminals impersonate high-level executives, sending urgent emails to finance departments instructing them to make immediate wire transfers to seemingly legitimate but ultimately fraudulent accounts.
• Malicious Attachments: Emails disguised as important financial documents (e.g., statements, payment confirmations) contain malware that infects your system when opened.
• Smishing Attacks: Text messages claiming to be from your bank ask you to click a link or call a number to resolve an urgent issue with your account. The link leads to a fake login page, or the phone number connects you to a scammer.

Tips and Recommendations for Online Businesses

Protecting your online business from phishing and financial cyberattacks requires a multi-layered approach. Here are some crucial steps:

• Educate Your Team: Regular training on identifying phishing attempts, understanding social engineering tactics, and practicing safe online behavior is paramount. Emphasize the importance of verifying any suspicious requests through official channels.
• Implement Strong Authentication Measures: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical accounts, including banking portals, email, and cloud services. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if they have stolen passwords.
• Verify Requests Through Official Channels: Always independently verify any urgent requests for financial information or fund transfers via phone or a known official contact method, not through the contact details provided in the suspicious communication.
• Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Links: Carefully examine the sender’s email address, looking for subtle discrepancies. Hover over links before clicking to see the actual destination URL. Be cautious of emails with poor grammar, spelling errors, or a sense of urgency.
• Secure Your Systems: Keep your operating systems, antivirus software, and other security tools up to date with the latest patches. Implement firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Establish Clear Financial Procedures: Implement strict protocols for financial transactions, including dual authorization for significant payments and regular reconciliation of accounts.
• Use Secure Communication Channels: When discussing sensitive financial information, utilize secure and encrypted communication methods.
• Regularly Review Account Activity: Monitor your bank accounts and transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your financial institution.
• Consider Employee Cybersecurity Policies: Implement clear guidelines for employee use of company devices and internet access, including restrictions on downloading software from untrusted sources.

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Wallter: Your Partner in Secure B2B Banking

At Wallter, we are committed to providing our B2B clients with a secure banking environment. Our platform incorporates advanced security features and adheres to stringent regulatory standards in Lithuania. We also believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the evolving cyber threat landscape.

By staying vigilant, educating your team, and implementing robust security measures, your online business can significantly reduce its risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and financial cybercrime. Remember, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is an investment in the long-term security and success of your business.