Symantec, one of the world's leading data security firms, reports that complex phishing attacks on Australian businesses have been increasing recently.

The attacks appear to be legitimate emails from the Australian Tax Office, promising an increase in tax returns values. Symantec warns SMEs that they should remain vigilant in checking their email messages.

The bogus emails usually promote tax returns ahead of schedule, and sometimes they also make it appear that the SME to need to update the details of their tax information immediately. To make the emails appear legitimate and authentic, scammers make use of official ATO logos and graphics, official fonts, and other visual elements similar to true ATO messages.

Symantec says that SMEs are being singled out because they most likely do not possess tight data security. Most SMEs do not have dedicated IT divisions and most do not have the technology needed to filter out these emails.

Symantec suggests that the best method to fight these phishing attacks is to be aware that you are not going to receive any type of solicitation from the ATO directly - meaning companies should always be suspicious and on guard. Additionally, Symantec says that SME managers should advise their staff about these email scams because prevention is always a dose better than any cure.

SME personnel should not open or click any link contained in an email until they verify that the correspondence is really from ATO. Moreover, they should also ensure that their email filtering systems are up to date and adequate for their purpose.