Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and phishing emails remain one of the biggest dangers to individuals and businesses alike. In fact, a staggering 90% of cyber attacks start with a phishing email. Cybercriminals disguise their emails to look legitimate, tricking recipients into giving away sensitive data like login credentials, financial information, or confidential business details.
If you think your business is safe from phishing attempts, think again. Hackers are getting more sophisticated every day, and one careless click could cost your company thousands—or even millions—in damages. But don’t worry, you and your team can learn how to spot and avoid phishing emails before they cause harm.
What Is a Phishing Email?
A phishing email is a deceptive message designed to look like it’s from a trusted source, such as a bank, a well-known company, or even a colleague. The goal? To trick you into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful attachments, or providing sensitive information.
How to Identify a Phishing Email
Before you click on that urgent-looking email, stop and check for these red flags:
1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
Does the sender’s email address look slightly off? Hackers often create fake email addresses that resemble legitimate ones but have small differences. For example, instead of support@paypal.com, a phishing email might come from support@p4ypal.com.
What to do: Hover over the sender’s name to see the full email address. If something looks strange, don’t trust it.
2. Look for Typos and Poor Grammar
Legitimate companies don’t make obvious mistakes in their communications. Many phishing emails contain awkward phrasing, bad spelling, and grammatical errors.
What to do: If an email from your “bank” is full of mistakes, it’s a red flag. Legitimate businesses proofread their emails.
3. Hover Over Links Without Clicking
Phishing emails often include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your credentials. The link text might say “Log into your account”, but when you hover over it, the actual URL is something completely different.
What to do: Always hover over links before clicking. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the supposed sender’s official website, don’t click.
4. Beware of Urgent Language
Scammers want you to act fast before you have time to think. They use phrases like:
- “Your account will be suspended unless you act now!”
- “Urgent: Verify your information immediately!”
What to do: If an email pressures you to take immediate action, stop and verify with the company directly.
5. Never Open Unexpected Attachments
A common phishing tactic is sending an email with an attachment containing malware. If you receive an unexpected invoice, PDF, or ZIP file—especially from an unknown sender—it could be a virus.
What to do: Never open attachments from unknown sources. If the email appears to come from a colleague but seems unusual, verify with them before opening anything.
6. Watch for Generic Greetings
Phishing emails often use generic greetings like:
- “Dear Customer”
- “Hello User”
Legitimate businesses will usually address you by name.
What to do: Be cautious of emails that don’t personalize their greeting.
7. If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Scammers love to lure victims with fake promises like:
- “You’ve won a free vacation!”
- “Click here to claim your cash prize!”
What to do: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win a prize. Ignore these scams.
What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email
If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, follow these steps:
- Don’t click anything—no links, no attachments.
- Report the email to your IT department or email provider.
- Delete the email immediately from your inbox and trash folder.
- Educate your team on phishing tactics to prevent future attacks.
How to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
Avoiding phishing scams is just one part of a strong cybersecurity strategy. To further protect your business, consider implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Why MFA is Essential for Security
MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing an account. These could include:
- A code sent to your phone
- A fingerprint or face scan
- A security key or authentication app
Why does MFA matter?
- 80% of hacking-related breaches occur due to weak or stolen passwords.
- MFA blocks 99.9% of automated cyber attacks.
- Even if hackers steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second verification factor.
Businesses that don’t use MFA are at a higher risk of ransomware attacks and data breaches. If you haven’t set it up yet, now is the time.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and phishing emails are more deceptive than ever. But by staying informed and training your team, you can avoid costly mistakes and protect your business from cybercrime.
Key Takeaways:
- Always verify the sender before clicking anything.
- Look for typos, suspicious links, and urgent language.
- Never open unexpected attachments.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Want help training your team to spot phishing scams? We can help. Get in touch today!
Web & Mobile Apps