How SMEs Can Defend Against Phishing in 2025

Why SMEs Are Targeted

Phishing attacks succeed in SMEs due to:

• Lack of formal cybersecurity awareness training

• Weak email security configurations (e.g., no SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• Minimal IT support or outdated infrastructure

• Use of unsecured personal devices for business

Attackers know this and often tailor their campaigns to impersonate banks, partners, or government agencies.

Top Strategies SMEs Can Use to Defend Against Phishing

1. Start with Awareness Training

Employees are your first firewall.
Use interactive, scenario-based training to simulate real phishing attacks and teach staff how to spot suspicious links, fake login pages, and emotional manipulation tactics.

Free/low-cost tools:

• Google Phishing Quiz (for basic staff awareness)

• Phish Insight by Trend Micro – run simulated attacks

• KnowBe4 Free Tools – phishing test kits and training

• Secure Path Awareness Packs – (available upon request)

Tip: Run short monthly simulations instead of one-time training to keep awareness fresh.

2. Configure Email Security Settings (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

Phishing emails often spoof legitimate domains. You can prevent this by setting up:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – verifies who can send emails for your domain

• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – attaches a digital signature

• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) – tells receiving servers what to do with suspicious emails

Tools to implement:

• MxToolbox – check SPF/DMARC setup

• EasyDMARC – beginner-friendly monitoring

• Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 – both support built-in email security

3. Leverage AI for Email Threat Detection

AI-powered tools can analyze emails for patterns, malicious intent, or anomalies far beyond human ability.

Tools SMEs can explore:

• Microsoft Defender for Office 365 – uses AI to detect threats in real-time

• Avanan (now part of Check Point) – uses machine learning to block phishing

• IRONSCALES – decentralized, AI-powered phishing detection

• Canary Tools – alerts when fake "bait" assets are touched

• ChatGPT or Claude – use responsibly to:

  • Analyze suspicious messages

  • Generate internal phishing awareness content

  • Summarize threat intelligence feeds

Note: While AI tools are helpful, always verify outputs. Never paste sensitive data into public AI tools.

4. Use Browser & Endpoint Protections

Deploy security plugins and antivirus solutions that block malicious websites or detect phishing payloads.

• Malwarebytes – lightweight with phishing protection

• Bitdefender GravityZone – strong endpoint + web filtering

• Cisco Umbrella (free tier) – blocks malicious domains at the DNS level

• uBlock Origin + Netcraft Extension – browser-based alerts against phishing

5. Create a Response Plan

When phishing happens, speed matters. SMEs should:

• Assign a response lead

• Define steps for reporting and isolation

• Create templates for customer notification (if data is breached)

• Keep backups encrypted and tested

Using AI Agents in Your Phishing Defense: Pros & Cons

AspectBenefitDrawbackDetectionAI can analyze thousands of emails and spot patterns faster than humansMay flag legitimate emails (false positives)AutomationAuto-quarantining or alerting saves timeRequires proper setup and ongoing tuningTrainingCan help build phishing simulations and write awareness contentRisk of misuse or over-relianceAnalysisSummarize phishing trends, log files, or email headersMay miss nuanced social engineering context

Example: A company using ChatGPT to analyze email headers can spot odd routing patterns — but it should never replace endpoint protection or trained staff.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Layers, Not Luck

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time action — it’s a layered, evolving strategy.

At Secure Path, we’ve helped SMEs reduce successful phishing incidents by over 70% within three months just by combining:

• Monthly simulations

• Email hardening

• AI-assisted analysis

• Policy enforcement

You don’t need a huge budget — you need the right mindset, the right tools, and a commitment to ongoing vigilance.

Need help getting started?

Reach out to us. We offer:

• Customized phishing simulation campaigns

• Security tool setup support

• SME-friendly training kits

Let’s build a digitally resilient world — one secured email at a time.