Remote Accounting Intern Exposes Firm Data After Falling for Spear Phishing Attack on Personal Device
The Challenge
In mid 2025, Stratwell Accounting faced a significant security incident after a remote intern fell victim to a targeted spear phishing attack. The intern, working from a personal laptop during their first month on the job, received an email that appeared to come from the firm’s IT department. The email claimed that urgent security updates were required and included a link to a seemingly legitimate login page. Trusting the message, the intern entered their corporate credentials.
Unbeknownst to them, the attackers had created a spoofed domain that mirrored Stratwell’s internal portal. Once the credentials were harvested, the attackers began accessing internal systems. They quietly downloaded sensitive documents including audit drafts, payroll summaries, and client reconciliation records over the span of two days.
The breach went undetected until a senior partner noticed suspicious activity linked to an unfamiliar IP address. A full investigation was launched, revealing the intern’s compromised account and the absence of basic security controls such as multi factor authentication. Further scrutiny showed that Stratwell had no formal policy requiring interns to use managed devices or secure connections. The intern had completed only a basic orientation video with no mention of cybersecurity protocols.
Our Solution
We were brought in to help identify the extent of the breach and assist with remediation. The first step was to immediately revoke all compromised credentials and force a system wide password reset. We then introduced mandatory multi factor authentication for all accounts, including temporary and intern access. A secure virtual desktop environment was deployed to replace the use of personal devices for remote work.
To prevent future incidents, Stratwell adopted a new onboarding framework that included cybersecurity training modules for all staff, regardless of employment status. We designed phishing simulations and awareness exercises tailored to new hires and junior personnel, ensuring that everyone understood how to identify and report threats.
The Value
Despite the incident, Stratwell retained the trust of its clients by issuing timely breach notifications and offering identity protection services to any affected accounts. The transparency and speed of the firm’s response avoided reputational damage and helped restore confidence.
The incident highlighted the importance of including interns and junior staff in cybersecurity planning. Stratwell’s leadership acknowledged the oversight and used the experience to reinforce a culture of security. The changes have since reduced the risk of remote work vulnerabilities and established a stronger foundation for access control.
Implementation Roadmap
- Revoke compromised accounts and trigger password reset
- Enforce multi factor authentication and deploy virtual desktops for remote staff
- Include interns in cybersecurity onboarding and training
- Monitor authentication logs for suspicious activity
- Communicate incident to clients with transparency
