How to Recognize a Phishing Email
Phishing scams are fraudulent email messages that seem to come from a legitimate source like your bank, a government agency or a company you recognize. Both companies and individuals are targeted by hackers and cybercriminals every day. Usually, the sender asks the recipients to click on a link or go to a website.
Let’s take a brief look at some things you can do to prevent phishing scams.
Educate Your Staff About Phishing
Teach your staff about the red flags that often come with phishing attacks:
Spelling and Grammatical Mistakes
Phishing scams are often filled with spelling mistakes. Watch out for these spelling and grammar blunders.
Notice the Sense of Urgency and/or Request for Private Information
Phishing emails have a sense of urgency, often requesting private information. It could be a credit card details or login information. Never give away this information. Check the domain address on the email. Watch out for vague greetings like “Valued Customer” or no salutation at all. Take this email and put it in Junk Mail or Quarantine right away.
Never click on links or attachments
When you receive an email directing you to click on the link or open the attachment, don’t open it or click on the link. Often these links and attachments have Malware or viruses.
Use Two Factor Authentication
Set up Two Factor Authentication (2FA ) for your online accounts. 2FA ensures that only users can log in.
Set up a Web Filter to Block Malicious Sites
Prevent phishing emails by setting up an online filter in case staff do click on the link or open the attachment.
Summary
Did you know that 1 in every 99 emails is a phishing attack? The threat of phishing emails making it past the default security in a business is real. Remember to educate your staff about such attacks, use 2FA always and set up a web filter to lock malicious sites.
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