An essential part of this commitment is ensuring all team members know how to identify and report phishing attempts. Phishing is a tactic used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into revealing personal information by sending fraudulent messages, often via email or direct messages. These fake messages may contain harmful links or malicious attachments that can compromise your information or infect your device with malware.

Remember, the best defense is knowledge. With a few quick checks, you can easily recognize phishing attempts and keep your inbox secure.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

When you receive a suspicious email, take four seconds to pause and examine it closely. Here’s what to look for:

• Too Good to Be True Offers: Phishers often lure people in with enticing offers that seem unrealistic.
• Urgent or Threatening Language: Emails that create a sense of urgency or fear are often phishing attempts.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many phishing emails have errors in writing that legitimate companies would avoid.
• Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often lack personalization, using vague greetings like “Dear Customer.”
• Requests for Personal Information: Be wary of requests for sensitive data like passwords or payment information.
• Urgency to Click Links or Attachments: If the email insists you act immediately by clicking a link or downloading an attachment, be cautious.
• Strange or Abrupt Business Requests: Unusual requests from an unfamiliar sender can be a red flag.
• Mismatched Email Addresses: Check the sender’s email address for slight misspellings (e.g., “pavpal.com” or “anazon.com”).

What to Do When You Spot a Phishing Email

You’ve already done the hardest part: recognizing a suspicious email! Here’s how to proceed:

1. For Work Emails:

   • Use the Phish Alert button in Outlook to report the email directly to the IT department.
   • Do not click any links, open attachments, or respond to the email.

2. For Personal Emails:

   • Avoid clicking any links, including unsubscribe options, and refrain from replying.
   • Delete the email immediately

Report Phishing

When in doubt, report it. If you suspect phishing, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Use your email platform’s report function or notify your IT department.

Remember: Your quick action helps keep our digital space secure for everyone. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.