Understanding Clone Phishing: A Critical Threat

Imagine this scenario: a malicious clone phishing email targets one of your employees, granting hackers access to your internal network. From there, they can launch more sophisticated attacks on your customers, partners, and your organisation’s reputation. As a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) or business, you understand the devastating impact such breaches can have—financial losses, operational disruptions, and damage to trust.

What Is Clone Phishing?

Clone phishing is a sophisticated form of cyberattack where hackers replicate a legitimate email previously sent from a trusted source. They intercept this email, replace links or attachments with malicious versions, and then resend it to the same recipients. To avoid suspicion, attackers craft the duplicate email with a convincing, plausible reason—sometimes spoofing display names or mimicking familiar branding.

This deception exploits human trust and familiarity, making it highly effective. Once an employee interacts with the malicious link or attachment, hackers gain access to your network, potentially setting off a chain of further exploits like spear-phishing, supply-chain attacks, or targeted campaigns against your clients and partners.

How Do Hackers Execute Clone Phishing?

• Cybercriminals employ several techniques to make clone phishing emails appear legitimate:
• Display Name Spoofing: Hackers spoof the sender’s display name while using a different email address. On mobile devices or email clients that only show the display name, this can go unnoticed.
• Close Cousin Spoofing: Slight modifications to the domain name, such as changing “amazon.com” to “ammazon.com,” deceive recipients into believing the email is authentic.
• Obfuscated URLs: Malicious links are masked using URL shorteners or embedded within images or attachments. Sometimes, multiple legitimate-looking links are included to distract email filters—a technique known as URL stuffing.

Protecting Your Organisation: Solutions and Best Practices

At CTS Group, in partnership with Hornetsecurity, we understand the importance of a multi-layered defence against clone phishing. Here’s how we can help you stay protected:

1. Deploy Advanced Anti-Phishing Technologies
Hornetsecurity’s Total Protection solutions utilise cutting-edge AI and machine learning to analyse emails, links, attachments, and webpages in real time. This behavioural analysis detects anomalies and malicious intent, even for previously unknown threats. Unlike traditional filters that rely solely on known malware signatures, our solutions adapt quickly to emerging attack methods.

2. Continuous Threat Monitoring and Response
Our tools extend beyond initial detection. They monitor email activity post-delivery, automatically remediating threats and providing administrators with centralised dashboards to track suspicious activities. This proactive approach minimises the risk of an attack spreading within your network.

3. Employee Awareness and Training
Your staff are your first line of defence. CTS Group recommends comprehensive, ongoing user awareness training programmes. Hornetsecurity’s Spear Phishing Simulation delivers targeted, contextual training when users encounter suspicious emails—transforming them from potential vulnerabilities into security assets.

4. Promote Good Cyber Hygiene
Encourage your team to scrutinise email senders closely, look for signs of spoofing, and verify links before clicking. Simple practices, like inspecting email addresses and recognising common phishing cues, significantly reduce risk.

Why Partner with CTS Group?

Our partnership ensures your organisation benefits from Hornetsecurity’s state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions, tailored for SMEs and MSPs like yours. Together, we offer:

– Advanced AI-driven email security and threat detection
– Real-time threat response and remediation
– Customised training programmes to empower your team
– Ongoing monitoring and support

By integrating these defences, CTS Group helps you stay ahead of cybercriminals and protect your business, clients, and reputation from clone phishing and other evolving threats.

Stay Vigilant — Stay Protected
Clone phishing remains one of the most convincing and damaging cyber threats today. With CTS Group’s expertise and Hornetsecurity’s innovative solutions, you can build a resilient defence that keeps your organisation and your clients secure.

If you’d like to find out more about how CTS Group can help safeguard your organisation against clone phishing, contact us today. Together, we can implement the right strategies and technologies to defend your digital assets.

*Information also used from HornetSecurity.