TOAD Attacks: Protecting Minnesota Businesses & Nonprofits

Cyber threats are getting smarter every year. One of the fastest-growing forms of social engineering in 2025 is the TOAD attack — short for Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery. Small businesses and nonprofits across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota are especially vulnerable. In this article, we’ll break down what TOAD attacks are, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take today to protect your team. 

What Is a TOAD Attack? A TOAD attack is a type of phishing scam where the attacker calls your staff pretending to be a representative from a bank, Microsoft support, a payment service, or even your trusted IT partner. Their goal is to convince someone on your team to:
• Share login credentials
• Provide a code from a text message
• Click a malicious link
• Install “diagnostic software”

These phone-based attacks are often paired with fake emails or text messages, which makes them especially convincing — and dangerous.  

Who’s at Risk? Based on what we’re seeing across the Twin Cities area, TOAD attacks most often target:
• Small businesses without in-house IT support
• Nonprofits where volunteers or admin staff lack technical training
• Office admins or front desk staff who answer phones and emails
• Remote teams without centralized access control  

A common myth we hear from clients is: 

“We’re just a small business — or a church — we don’t have anything worth stealing.” 

But here’s the truth: It’s not necessarily about the content itself — it’s about the fact that you need it. Attackers know that if they can block your access to emails, financial records, or donor information, you’ll feel pressure to act fast — and that gives them power. 

That’s why even small teams with minimal infrastructure are prime targets. And that’s why protecting your access — not just your data — matters more than ever.

How to Spot a TOAD Attack? Here are a few red flags to look out for:
• Unexpected calls about “issues” or “threats”
• High-pressure tactics like: “Do this now or else…”
• The caller insists you stay on the line and act in real time
• Requests for SMS codes or software installation  

What’s the Worst That Could Happen? One wrong move could result in:
• Losing access to company email or cloud accounts
• Leaking sensitive client information
• Malware or ransomware spreading through your systems
• Major reputation damage and financial loss

What Can You Do Right Now? CSI Tech Corp Recommendations

1. Train Your Staff. Even short, 15-minute micro-trainings once a month can go a long way. We run regular training modules for businesses and nonprofits across Minnesota.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). One of the easiest — and most effective — defenses against unauthorized access.

3. Set Up VoIP Filtering and Call Monitoring. Especially important if you’re using cloud-based phone systems or Microsoft Teams.

4. Get a Cybersecurity Audit. We’ll help identify weak spots and roll out practical solutions tailored to your budget and workflow.

Why This Matters in Minnesota? There are thousands of small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities that handle sensitive data every day. All it takes is one slip-up by one team member to open the door to a serious breach.

At CSI Tech Corp, our mission is to make cybersecurity simple, effective, and accessible to every organization in Minnesota. TOAD attacks aren’t just theory — they’re happening to Minnesota companies every day. Don’t wait until it hits your inbox or phone line. Prepare your team now — and stay protected.

Ready to See Where Your Security Stands? Schedule a free consultation with the cybersecurity experts at CSI Tech Corp. We serve businesses and nonprofits across Minnesota — and we understand the local landscape.