What is Phishing?

A Beginner's Guide for Wilmington NC Businesses 

You’ve probably heard the word “phishing” tossed around in conversations about cybersecurity. But what does it actually mean? And why should businesses in Southeastern NC care? 

Let’s break it down. 

What Is Phishing? 

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where a bad actor pretends to be someone you trust—like your bank, a vendor, or even a coworker. The goal? To trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading a dangerous attachment, or handing over sensitive info like passwords or financial details. 

These scams are designed to look real. In some cases, they’re almost impossible to tell apart from legitimate emails. And the scariest part? It only takes one click for a hacker to access your network. 

Why It Matters to Small Businesses in Wilmington and Southeastern NC 

Phishing isn’t just a big-business problem. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are some of the most common targets—especially those without full-time IT teams or formal cybersecurity strategies. 

Here’s what recent data shows: 

• 74% of organizations experienced a phishing attack in 2023 

• Over 90% of data breaches start with a phishing email (Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report) 

• Phishing is the #1 cause of ransomware attacks for SMBs (Datto Global Ransomware Report) 

For local businesses in Wilmington, Burgaw, Leland, and across the Cape Fear region, one phishing email can lead to data loss, downtime, or even major financial hits. That’s why cybersecurity needs to be more than an afterthought—it’s a business essential. 

How to Spot a Phishing Attempt 

Phishing emails often look legit, but there are some common signs to watch for: 

• The message feels urgent or threatening (“Act now or lose access!”) 

• The sender’s email address looks slightly off 

• You’re asked to click on a link or download something unexpected 

• The message includes typos or awkward grammar 

• It just doesn’t feel right 

When in doubt, don’t click. Double-check with the sender using a known contact method. 

Tips to Prevent Phishing in Your Business 

At CloudWyze, we partner with businesses across Southeastern NC to create proactive cybersecurity strategies, and that starts with education and prevention. 

Here’s how you can protect your team and your tech: 

• Train your team regularly on what phishing looks like 

• Use email filtering tools to block known threats 

• Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible 

• Hover before clicking to see where a link really goes 

• Back up your data frequently to reduce risk if something goes wrong 

Cybersecurity isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about building strong habits. 

How CloudWyze Helps 

CloudWyze is more than just a Managed Security Service Provider—we’re your local cybersecurity partner. Based in Wilmington NC and serving businesses throughout the Cape Fear region, we work closely with clients to strengthen their systems, train their teams, and manage ongoing protection. 

Our services include: 

• Phishing simulation and awareness training 

• Endpoint detection and response 

• 24/7 threat monitoring 

• Help qualifying for cybersecurity insurance (especially for healthcare and financial services) 

We also handle vendor relationships and internet connectivity, so you’re never left figuring it out on your own. 

Let’s Protect What You’ve Built 

Whether you’re a small healthcare practice in Leland or a growing business in downtown Wilmington, phishing attacks are a real risk. But with the right support, they’re also completely preventable. 

Let’s work together to keep your business secure and your team confident. 

Get in touch with CloudWyze today by filling out the form below or call (910) 795-1000.