How to Spot Phishing Emails: 6 Hot Tips
Wait… what is Phishing?
Firstly, in order to spot Phishing emails, you need to know exactly what Phishing is.
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers try to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details, by impersonating a legitimate entity through fake emails, websites, or messages. The goal is to deceive users into taking actions that compromise their security or privacy. These emails are designed to trick you into giving away sensitive information which is why we all must take measures to protect ourselves and our company from these malicious attacks!
Here are some tips on how to spot phishing emails…
• Check the sender’s email address: Phishing emails often come from fake email addresses that may look similar to real ones. Be wary of any email that comes from an unfamiliar or suspicious email address. Some emails may even be disguised, so be sure to click onto the address itself and ensure that it is the official email of the company.
• Try contacting other contact methods: Before making any bank payments or changes to account details sent by email, always use a known phone number to call before making changes to bank details or making a payment. It is generally very unlikely that a company will ask for account details over email, meaning this in itself is a red flag. Be very vigilant!
• Get a second opinion: If an email from a company director is asking for an urgent task that’s not part of your daily task it’s okay to question the request, This may come in the form of asking you to buy gift cards or make a payment through a PayPal account. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and your company will thank you if it does turn out to be fraud.
• Look for urgent or threatening language: Phishing emails often use fear and urgency to pressure you into taking action. Be wary of emails that demand immediate action or threaten negative consequences if you don’t comply.
• Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments: Phishing emails often contain links to fake websites or malware-infected attachments. Don’t click on any links or download any attachments unless you are sure they are safe.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors: Phishing emails often contain spelling and grammar errors that are uncharacteristic of professional communication. Be wary of any email that contains these errors.
• If you suspect that you have received a phishing email, please report it immediately to [email protected]. We will investigate the email and take necessary actions to protect our company’s data and systems.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. By being vigilant and taking appropriate measures, we can protect ourselves and our company from these harmful attacks! If you would like to read more articles in the realm of cyber security to learn how to be safer on the internet, read our other blog titled ‘Cybersecurity, risk assessments, and GDPR’
