Phishing scams are the most common and dangerous cyber threats today. They’re designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. These tips can help you to protect yourself and your business from phishing attacks.
1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
Phishing emails often come from addresses that look legitimate at first glance but have subtle differences. Always double-check the sender’s email address for misspellings, extra characters, or unfamiliar domain names. For example, an email from [email protected] might be spoofed as [email protected] – a small difference that’s easy to miss.
2. Be Wary of Urgent Language
A phishing attack via email often use language that creates a sense of urgency or fear, such as “Your account will be locked!” or “Immediate action required!” because this tactic is designed to make you act quickly without thinking. If you receive an email with urgent demands, take a step back and verify its authenticity before acting.
3. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Hover over any links in an email before clicking them. A legitimate link will show a URL that matches the company’s official website. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match, don’t click it. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the URL into your browser to log in and check for any alerts or messages.
4. Watch for Poor Grammar and Spelling
Phishing attack emails often contain noticeable spelling and grammar errors. Legitimate companies usually have professional communication standards, so emails from them should be well-written. If an email looks poorly composed or has unusual phrasing, its likely a scam.
5. Don’t Share Personal Information
Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, national insurance numbers, or bank details via email, however if you are asked to provide this information, its almost certainly a phishing attempt. Always verify requests for personal information by contacting the company directly through official channels.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attempt
If you receive a suspicious email, don’t respond or click any links. Instead, report it to your IT helpdesk or email provider. If you accidentally click on a link or provide information, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.
Need More Help Protecting Yourself Against a Phishing Attack?
Our helpdesk team is always here to help you stay safe online. If you are unsure about an email or think you might have been targeted by a phishing scam don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and assistance on 020 7898 3500.
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