Did you know that 90% of cybersecurity breaches stem from human error?

It's not faulty code or outdated firewalls - it often comes down to a single click, a mistaken login, or a seemingly innocent link. In today's fast-paced digital world, your staff are not just employees; they are the first line of defence against cyber threats.

According to NCSC’s Q1 2025 report, there has been a 15% surge in phishing incidents, with credential theft reaching 440 cases. Business Email Compromise accounted for $5 million in losses, contributing to a total of $7.8 million—the second-highest quarterly financial impact on record.

The Rise of AI-Enhanced Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals are no longer lone wolves crafting clunky, suspicious emails. With artificial intelligence now in their arsenal, threat actors can launch hyper-personalised campaigns at scale. These AI-assisted attacks mimic speech patterns, spoof trusted contacts, and even build entire fake websites - all to exploit one thing: human trust.

From convincing "CEO requests" to fake invoice attachments, phishing isn't just smarter—it's evolving faster than many organisations can keep up.

The Common Phishing Techniques to Watch For

Here are some of the main phishing techniques we help our clients recognize and respond to:

• Email Spoofing: Messages that look like they're from internal leadership or known vendors.
• Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks using personal info gleaned from social media or company sites.
• Smishing & Vishing: Texts and voice calls impersonating banks, IT support, or parcel delivery services.
• Business Email Compromise: Fraudulent invoice and payment requests from fake finance contacts.
• Clone Phishing: Copies of legitimate emails—except the links and attachments are malicious.

Awareness Is Defence: CNX Phish Threat Training

Effective cybersecurity doesn't start with tech. It begins with your team. CNX Phish Threat Training provides the tools and expertise to transform your employees into a formidable human firewall, safeguarding your organisation against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Through CNX Secure Essentials, we provide comprehensive Phish Threat Training that goes beyond generic modules:

• Real-world simulations tailored to your team's daily tasks
• Immediate feedback and learning reinforcement
• Ongoing updates to match the evolving threat landscape
• Dashboards for tracking team progress and risk reduction

The goal isn't to shame - it's to empower. We help build a cyber-aware culture that transforms your people from weak links into cybersecurity champions.

Let CNX help your people become your strongest shield against phishing and AI-powered deception. Contact CNX today to learn more about our CNX Phish Threat Training.