Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime for a reason—they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam emails flood unsuspecting users’ inboxes. Phishing emails have topped the list of cyber threats for years because they are easy to implement, scale, and continue to deceive people. With AI tools like ChatGPT, cybercriminals can now craft emails that appear more human-like, making them even more convincing. If you’re not vigilant, the consequences of phishing scams can be severe.
Since it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month and phishing emails are a leading cause of cyberattacks, we’ve created this guide to help you and your team identify phishing emails and understand their importance.
The Dangers of Phishing Attacks
1. Data Breaches
Phishing attacks can expose your organization’s sensitive information to cybercriminals. Once exposed, hackers can sell your data on the dark web or hold it for ransom, demanding exorbitant amounts for its return—often without any intention of returning it. This can lead to financial and legal repercussions, damage to your reputation, and loss of customer trust.
2. Financial Loss
Cybercriminals frequently use phishing emails to steal money directly from businesses. Whether through fraudulent invoices or unauthorized transactions, falling victim to phishing can significantly impact your bottom line.
3. Malware Infections
Phishing emails often contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, can infect your systems with malware. This can disrupt operations, lead to data loss, and require costly remediation efforts.
4. Compromised Accounts
When employees fall for phishing scams, their accounts can be compromised. Attackers can then use these accounts to launch further attacks or gain unauthorized access to sensitive company data.
The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to Identify Phishing Emails
To prevent becoming the next victim of a phishing attack, use the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method:
S – Start with the Subject Line: Is it odd? (e.g., “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately”)
E – Examine the Email Address: Do you recognize the sender? Is the email address unusual or unknown?
C – Consider the Greeting: Is the salutation unusual or generic? (e.g., “Hello Ma’am!”)
U – Unpack the Message: Is there extreme urgency to click a link, download an attachment, or act on a too-good-to-be-true offer?
R – Review for Errors: Are there grammatical mistakes or odd misspellings?
E – Evaluate Links and Attachments: Hover over links before clicking to check the address, and do not open attachments from unknown senders.
Protect Your Network
It is crucial to have a cybersecurity expert monitor your network and eliminate email spam before your employees can make a mistake. Ensure you’re taking proper precautions to protect your network. Phishing attacks are effective and frequent. We don’t want YOU to be the next victim.
If you need help training your team on cybersecurity best practices, implementing a robust cybersecurity system, or just want a second set of eyes to assess your current setup for vulnerabilities, we are here to help. Call us at (281) 646-1200 or click here to book a call with our team.
