How to Spot a Phishing Attempt (Before It’s Too Late)

Introduction

Phishing is one of the simplest yet most effective tactics cybercriminals use to break into businesses. All it takes is one wrong click on a fake email or text message, and attackers can steal credentials, install malware, or launch ransomware attacks.

The good news? Phishing attacks often have telltale signs. Training yourself and your team to spot them is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Here’s what to look for.

1. Suspicious Sender Addresses

• Cybercriminals often spoof email addresses to look like they’re from trusted sources.

• Look closely: instead of support@microsoft.com, it might be support@micr0soft-secure.com.

• If the sender’s name doesn’t match the email domain, that’s a red flag.

2. Urgent or Threatening Language

• Phrases like “Your account will be locked in 24 hours” or “Immediate action required” are designed to create panic.

• Phishers rely on emotion fear, urgency, or curiosity to trick you into clicking without thinking.

3. Unexpected Attachments or Links

• Attachments like .zip or .exe files can carry malware.

• Hover over links before clicking does the URL match the sender’s organization, or does it redirect somewhere strange?

• If in doubt, don’t open it.

4. Poor Spelling and Grammar

• Professional organizations rarely send out emails riddled with typos.

• Awkward phrasing, random capitalizations, or odd formatting are classic phishing indicators.

5. Requests for Sensitive Information

• No legitimate company will ask for your passwords, social security numbers, or banking info via email.

• If an email requests sensitive data, treat it as suspicious even if it looks “official.”

6. Unusual Context

• Were you expecting this email? Did it come out of the blue?

• If you suddenly receive a shipping notification, invoice, or password reset you didn’t request, it may be a phishing attempt.

7. Generic Greetings

• Real businesses often personalize emails (“Hi Connor”).

• Phishing attempts commonly use vague greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Valued User.”

What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Email

• Don’t click links or open attachments.

• Report it to your IT team or email provider.

• Delete the message once reported.

• If you clicked by mistake, change your password immediately and alert IT.

Conclusion

Phishing is dangerous because it preys on human behavior rather than technical vulnerabilities. But once you know the red flags, spotting phishing attempts becomes much easier.

By staying vigilant and training your team, you can dramatically reduce the chances of falling victim to an attack.