Phishing emails are still one of the most common threats facing businesses today.
Between client updates, internal comms, and the odd newsletter you forgot you subscribed to, our inboxes are busier than ever, and it’s easy to let your guard down. But lurking among the legitimate messages could be something far more sinister: a phishing email.
Sneaky, convincing and designed to tempt – it only takes one mis-click and you could find yourself in a whole lot of trouble!
The good news? You don’t need to be an IT expert to spot one.
With a few quick checks, you can sniff out a dodgy email in under 30 seconds.
What is a phishing email?
A phishing email is a fraudulent message designed to trick you into handing over sensitive information – like passwords, bank details, or login credentials – or to get you to click on a malicious link or attachment. These emails often pretend to be from trusted sources: your bank, a colleague, or even your CEO.
The goal of a phishing email is variable, it could be to steal your data, to access your accounts or to instal malware – unfortunately they are getting increasingly sophisticated, in turn making them harder to spot.
The 30-Second Spot Check
Here are five quick things to look for when an email raises your suspicions:
- Check the Sender’s Address
It might say it’s from “IT Support” or “Accounts Payable”, but hover over the sender’s name and look at the actual email address. If it’s full of random characters or doesn’t match the company’s domain, it’s likely a fake. - Look for Spelling and Grammar Errors
Professional organisations usually proofread their emails. If the message is riddled with typos, odd phrasing, or inconsistent formatting, that’s a red flag. - Beware of Urgency or Threats
Phishing emails often try to create panic. “Your account will be locked in 24 hours!” or “Immediate action required!” are classic tactics. If it’s trying to rush you, take a step back. - Don’t Click Suspicious Links
Hover over any links (without clicking!) to see where they lead. If the URL looks strange, misspelt, or doesn’t match the supposed sender, don’t touch it. - Unexpected Attachments? Be Wary
If you weren’t expecting an invoice, PDF, or ZIP file – especially from someone you don’t usually deal with – don’t open it. Attachments are a common way to deliver malware.
Protecting Yourself from Phishing Emails
Spotting phishing emails is only half of the battle – staying ahead of the threat is where real, long-term protection lies.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another easy win when it comes to phishing emails. Even if a password is compromised, the extra layer of security from MFA can stop an attacker in their tracks.
Similarly, ensuring your software and antivirus tools are up to date is equally beneficial – updates often contain critical security patches, designed to close known vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Your People are the First Line of Defence
Beyond technology, developing a culture of awareness is key to keeping your team secure.
Encourage your team to report suspicious emails, helping you stay informed of incoming attempts.
Regular training sessions, even short ones, make a huge difference in helping raise awareness and encouraging team members to recognise the signs.
Speak to us today if you’d like to learn more about phishing protection or awareness training – a few proactive steps now is all it takes to save a great deal of trouble, later.
