Human Risk Management: Playbook for phishing and whaling

This playbook provides a robust framework for mitigating risks associated with phishing and whaling attacks, which have evolved to include AI-driven, multi-channel, and highly personalized social engineering tactics. Learn strategies to protect users, especially high-risk, targeted individuals, from these sophisticated threats. Here’s what you’ll find in the playbook:

1. Risk scenarios and business impact:
   • Scenarios include AI-generated phishing messages, impersonation, and multi-platform social engineering campaigns targeting executives.
   • Business impacts range from data breaches and financial fraud to compliance violations and reputational damage.
2. Targeted security outcomes:
   • Educate users on identifying phishing attempts.
   • Strengthen defenses with advanced email security measures.
   • Encourage proactive behavior, such as reporting suspicious emails.
3. Control strategy and phased implementation:
   • Phase 1: Visibility. Monitor activities, deploy phishing simulations, and provide real-time feedback.
   • Phase 2: Hard controls. Enforce high-confidence controls, such as attachment and link scanning, spam detection, and impersonation protection.
4. Stakeholder engagement:
   • Involves executive leadership, security operations, and IT teams to align efforts and ensure effective implementation.
5. Response and operational support:
   • Includes detection logic, alert criteria, and a response playbook for incidents.
   • Emphasizes integration with tools like XDR/SIEM and HR systems for streamlined operations.
6. Continuous improvement:
   • Metrics to measure effectiveness, user engagement, and compliance.
   • Regular reviews and updates to policies ensure alignment with evolving threats.