Business Spotlight

How to Prevent Phishing in Business Over 90% of cyber incidents begin with phishing, primarily through deceptive emails that trick users into clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or revealing credentials, making human error and social engineering the leading entry points for attackers to breach networks and steal data.  A significant portion of these attacks (around 75%) start with a deceptive email, delivering malware, stealing credentials, or conducting impersonation scams. . From fake emails from your CEO to phony invoices, phishing comes in all shapes and sizes. Phishing has evolved into a targeted, sophisticated, and terrifyingly convincing method of attack. In fact, in 2024, nearly half of all malware incidents were initiated by phishing—incidents that often result in ransomware infections, data theft, and financial fraud. Phishing can’t be ignored—it’s a big-time threat that warrants serious attention and aggressive action. Phishing prevention best practices: Do employees go through regular cybersecurity awareness training?  Your first line of defense against phishing attacks is your employees, who just so happen to be your biggest risk as well. Regular cybersecurity awareness training equips employees with the keen eyes they need to spot phishing emails, recognize social engineering tricks, and avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments. Do we have email security on lockdown?  The vast majority of phishing attacks are deployed via email, making email security best practices a must. A few ways to prevent phishing attempts include:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): It’s not all that challenging for threat actors to get login credentials—MFA provides a key extra layer of security that can totally stop unauthorized access attempts.
• Email filtering and anti-phishing tools: Comprehensive email security solutions can automatically detect and block phishing attempts before they reach employees’ inboxes.

Going back to awareness, teaching employees to always “hover before clicking” is an easy way to reveal the sketchy URLs lurking behind harmless-looking text. What specific policies do we have to protect against phishing?  Like every approach to cybersecurity, multiple layers are always best. A well-trained workforce is a good start, but there should be specific policies to protect against phishing:

• Financial transitions: No employee should be able to approve payments based on email alone—financial transactions must require verification.
• Reporting processes: There should be no ambiguity when it comes to reporting incidents—if an employee catches a phishing attempt, there should be clear guidelines for how to report it.

Are our systems and software updated regularly?  Outdated systems and software are the open gates that invite the wolves right in. Regular updates and patches close security vulnerabilities that attackers love to exploit. Close these gaps by setting automatic updates for:

• Email security solutions
• Antivirus and anti-malware software
• Web browsers and operating systems
• Any third-party software your business relies on

How to mitigate phishing attacks when prevention fails Phishing attacks can still slip through the cracks. Another important aspect of your strategy is how to mitigate phishing attacks when prevention fails, whether it’s human error or a bad software update. If it happens, acting swiftly and effectively is the name of the game:

• Isolate the infected device by disconnecting it from the network.
• Change the compromised credentials and reset all passwords.
• Investigate the breach, identify how it happened, and take steps to prevent a repeat incident.
• Alert employees—if one person can fall for a phishing scam, others might, too.

   

RDP Welcomes New Businesses to Downtown 

Black Lantern Barber Co

Citrus Care Hospice

Corner Occasions (Property Rental)

Eloquest (General Services)

Grow Vision (Advertising)

M&I Maids LLC

Paradise Premier Pools and Spa

Wayfinder Water Policy Consulting

May 2026 Guest Column By Susan Freeman Guest Column:  From Murals to Music: How Arts Drive Downtown Economies The Arts & Culture Catalyst Walk down Main Street on a First Thursday Artswalk or step into the plaza during the Festival of Lights, and you’ll feel it: a city alive with energy. Art isn’t just decoration for downtown Riverside — it’s a powerful catalyst for economic growth. From murals that transform blank walls into landmarks, to concerts that fill the Fox Performing Arts Center, cultural investments create a ripple effect that supports small businesses, draws visitors, and defines the city’s identity. Cultural Events as Economic Engines Events like the Riverside Artswalk bring thousands of people downtown each month. Visitors might come to see a gallery opening or performance, but they rarely stop there. They grab dinner before the show, shop at a boutique, or stay for dessert after. Every time foot traffic increases, the local economy gets a boost. Studies of similar arts events in other cities show that attendees spend an average of $30–$40 beyond the cost of admission — money that goes directly into local restaurants, shops, and services. Multiply that by the thousands who attend Riverside’s recurring cultural events, and you see why the arts are not just an amenity but an engine of commerce. Festivals, too, play this role. Whether it’s music on the plaza, cultural celebrations, or seasonal markets, they draw crowds that keep cash registers ringing. For small businesses, these surges of activity can make the difference between breaking even and thriving. Anchors That Ripple Outward Riverside is fortunate to have cultural anchors that attract visitors year-round.

• The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture has become a national destination for art lovers, scholars, and tourists. Visitors to The Cheech often explore downtown restaurants and shops before or after their museum experience.
• The Fox Performing Arts Center not only brings Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts to Riverside, but also fills hotel rooms, parking structures, and nearby dining establishments on performance nights.

Economists call this the “spillover effect.” When people come downtown for one attraction, their spending spills into other businesses. A family coming for an exhibit may stay overnight at a hotel, grab breakfast at a café, and discover a new boutique. Each step of their visit multiplies economic impact. Arts, Placemaking, and Tourism Public art and placemaking are equally important. Murals, sculptures, and creative design elements do more than beautify spaces — they transform downtown into a destination.

• Murals become photo backdrops, social media magnets, and recognizable landmarks. They encourage people to explore parts of downtown they might otherwise overlook.
• Public performance spaces turn sidewalks into stages, inviting spontaneous music and dance that enrich the visitor experience.
• Cultural districts create a sense of identity, signaling that downtown is not just a place to shop but a place to belong.

These investments pay dividends in tourism. Visitors increasingly seek authentic, arts-rich destinations. A thriving cultural scene feeds hotels, convention bookings, and retail tourism. When conventions select cities, they ask: What will attendees do after sessions? Riverside’s downtown arts and culture scene provides a compelling answer. Arts as a Quality-of-Life Magnet Beyond tourism, arts and culture are magnets for talent. Companies scouting new headquarters often look for cities where employees will want to live. A vibrant downtown filled with concerts, galleries, and cultural experiences signals quality of life — a deciding factor for young professionals and families. The presence of arts also helps retain residents. When people feel connected to cultural life, they are more likely to put down roots, buy homes, and invest in the community. Arts create not just jobs but belonging. Riverside’s Competitive Advantage Riverside is uniquely positioned to leverage arts as an economic driver:

• Our monthly Artswalk is a proven draw, mixing established institutions with emerging artists.
• The Cheech is a national cultural treasure that sets Riverside apart from peer cities.
• The Fox Performing Arts Center anchors a growing district of dining, nightlife, and hospitality.
• Public art and murals continue to enliven the pedestrian mall and surrounding neighborhoods.

Together, these assets create a compelling “package” for visitors, investors, and residents alike. They make downtown Riverside more than a location — they make it an experience. Closing Thought: Culture as Currency Economists can quantify how many dollars are spent at a restaurant on performance night, or how much hotel occupancy increases during a festival. But the arts’ true impact is even broader. Culture is currency. It shapes how outsiders see us, how residents feel about their city, and how businesses decide to invest. Every mural, concert, or gallery opening is not just an artistic achievement — it’s an economic one. From murals to music, Riverside’s arts scene doesn’t just reflect who we are. It drives where we’re going. And if we continue to invest in culture as catalyst, our downtown will remain the best stage for a thriving future. Susan Freeman is a lover of all things Riverside.  She is also a strategic communicator, equity advocate, and civic leader.  She can be reached at Susan@FreemanMeansBusiness.com  

Check out RDP’s Pocket and Dining Guide which is available on our website or at the RDP office.