How can I protect my business from phishing and cyber attacks?

The figures are alarming: over 50 per cent of all cyber attacks target small and medium-sized enterprises. The reason is simple: SMEs are often considered easier targets because they lack dedicated IT security resources. 

The risk is real and concrete. Many companies have already fallen victim to data theft – and many did not know how it happened. Particularly worrying is that phishing attacks are among the most common successful forms of attack against SMEs. These are not just abstract threats – they are your potential customers, your data, your reputation. 

But there is a way out. Telekom has developed Security OnNet Basic, a solution that protects your company where it matters most: directly in your network. 

Phishing is the attempt to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details or trade secrets through fraudulent emails, messages or websites. The name comes from the fact that cybercriminals use "bait" to "fish" for valuable data. 

A typical scenario: your employee receives an email that appears to be from your bank. The message looks professional, contains a familiar logo and asks her to "urgently" confirm her login details. The link leads to a deceptively genuine but fake website. Anyone who enters their details here is helping cybercriminals gain access to real accounts. 

The tricky thing is that phishing emails are becoming increasingly professional. They use real names, current events and personal data to build trust. Even experienced employees can fall into the trap – especially when under time pressure. 

Every industry has its specific risks. Here are some typical threat scenarios: 

Craft businesses: Cybercriminals pose as suppliers, change bank details or demand payment for materials that were never ordered. 

Medical and dental practices: Patient data is highly sensitive and valuable. Phishing emails pretend to be from insurance companies or government agencies in order to gain access to medical information. 

Retail and shops: Fraudulent links lead to fake payment pages or supplier portals in order to steal credit card details or trade secrets. 

What they all have in common is that they cost time, money and trust. A successful phishing attack can lead to business interruptions, fines and lasting damage to your reputation. 

Here Security OnNet Basic comes into play. This security solution works according to a simple but effective principle: the protection is not located on your computers or devices – it is directly integrated into the Telekom network and reliably protects you from digital threats.  

How does it work? 

Security OnNet Basic monitors all data traffic in your network and automatically detects fraudulent links. If employees accidentally click on a link that leads to a phishing site, it is blocked before it reaches your company network. Protection runs in the background, requires no installation or additional hardware, and is continuously monitored and updated by Telekom security experts.  

Telekom is drawing on its decades of expertise in network security. Security OnNet Basic already blocks over 1 million fraudulent websites – and the database is continuously updated.  

The advantages of network-based cybersecurity at a glance: 

• Fully automated cyber protection directly in the Telekom network  

• No setup or maintenance required, no installation necessary 

• Real-time protection against phishing, fraudulent websites and cyber attacks 

• Protection for all devices on the network (PCs, smartphones, tablets) 

• No Influence of Internet speed  

• Transparent reports on detected threats 

• Constant security checks by Telekom Security's team of experts 

Security you hardly notice, but which works every day: Security OnNet Basic operates directly within the telecommunications network and stops cybercrime and phishing where they originate, before cyber attacks even reach your device.  

No software installation, update maintenance or dedicated security team is required, as Telekom's security experts keep the protection continuously up to date. Protection against cybercrime takes effect automatically when you use your device on a Telekom landline connection.  

Classic endpointapps, on the other hand, only work on the device and cause administrative effort and additional costs, e.g. through monthly fees.

Security OnNet Basic is available in two versions that complement each other perfectly: 

• Landline & Internet: Security protection is included in all current Business DSL, Business DSL Premium and Business Fibre tariffs and in the CompanyFlex free of charge.  

• Mobile communications: Are your employees on the move? Security OnNet Basic is also available as an add-on option for business mobile phone contracts . This means your staff enjoy the same protection whether they are in the office or on the move. 

To illustrate the impact, here is a comparison: 

Security OnNet Basic reliably protects your business, but your employees are the first line of defence. These four simple tips will also help: 

1. Be sceptical of unexpected links and attachments: Check whether emails come from trustworthy senders. If something seems strange, ask before you click. 

2. Pay attention to clues in the design: Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes, unprofessional formatting or suspicious sender addresses. Genuine companies do not write emails with "Dear Customer" or poor layout. 

3. Use strong passwords: A secure password prevents criminals from hijacking accounts. At least 12 characters, capital letters, numbers and special characters help. 

4. Install updates and patches regularly: Keep your systems up to date. Updates close security gaps before criminals can exploit them.