Shocking Surge: Phishing Attacks Skyrocket

Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, phishing attacks have surged by a staggering 4,151%. The funeral profession has not been spared from this alarming trend. 

More funeral home staff than ever are contacting us with reports of receiving phishing emails. If not promptly addressed, these cyber threats can lead to significant financial and reputational damage as sensitive information is stolen and exploited. 

Why is the Funeral Profession a Target? 

• Sensitive Data: Funeral homes handle a lot of sensitive and personal information that is valuable to attackers. 
• Emotional Context: The empathetic nature of funeral professionals makes it easier for attackers to take advantage of staff. 
• Industry Adaptation: As the funeral profession becomes more digital, it opens new avenues for cyber threats. 

Signs an Email is a Scam 

• Uses a suspicious email address (it might look like a company’s name but is slightly off) 
• Noticeable spelling errors and/or odd formatting  
• Attachments that don’t seem to make sense 
• Generic greetings like “dear user” or “valued customer” 
• Claims your account is on hold due to a billing problem 
• Invites you to click a link to update payment details 

How to Avoid Phishing Attacks 

• Educate Staff: Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments. 
• Verify Requests: Always verify the authenticity of requests for sensitive information, especially urgent or unfamiliar ones. 
• Email Security: Implement robust email security measures, including spam filters and email authentication protocols. 
• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. 
• Update Software: Keep all systems and software up to date with the latest security patches. 
• Report Suspicious Activity: Establish a clear process with your staff for reporting suspicious emails or activities. 
• Backup Data: Regularly back up your data to ensure recovery in case of an attack. 

Want to protect your business from cyber threats? We have partnered with leading benefits provider McGriff to design a complete benefits program exclusively for our funeral home and cemetery clients, including an affordable and effective cyber security policy. Click here to learn more and get started.