In today’s digital landscape, phishing remains one of the most common, and costly cyber threats facing businesses. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. These scams often look legitimate, making it easy for even cautious users to fall victim.
At Simplified IT Consulting, we help companies recognize and respond to phishing threats before damage is done. Here are seven red flags to look for in suspicious emails:
1. Unexpected or Generic Greetings
Be cautious of emails that open with “Dear Customer” or “Hi User” instead of addressing you by name. Phishers often use generic greetings because they don’t have personalized information.
2. Urgency or Fear Tactics
Watch out for messages that pressure you to “act now” or warn of “immediate account suspension.” These scare tactics are designed to override your judgment and force hasty action.
3. Unusual Sender Addresses
Always verify the sender’s email. A message from “it-support@yourbankhelp.com” instead of “support@yourbank.com” is a red flag. Check domain names closely; attackers often mimic familiar addresses with subtle typos.
4. Attachments or Links You Weren’t Expecting
If an email includes unexpected attachments or links, don’t click them. Even PDFs and Word docs can contain malicious code. When in doubt, confirm with the sender through a separate communication channel.
5. Requests for Sensitive Information
Legitimate organizations will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking info via email. If you’re asked for this kind of data, it’s almost certainly a scam.
6. Misspellings and Poor Grammar
Many phishing emails originate from non-native English speakers or use automated translations. Look for grammar mistakes or odd sentence structure, it’s often a telltale sign.
7. Inconsistent Branding or Logos
Compare the logo, colors, and formatting with known emails from that company. A distorted logo or strange font choices often indicate a fake.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attempt:
Don’t click any links or download attachments.
Report the email to your internal IT team or MSP.
Use your email platform’s “Report Phishing” function if available.
Verify the sender through a known contact method (e.g., phone call).
Phishing isn’t going away, but with proper training and awareness, you can help your team stay protected.
Need help training your team?
Simplified IT Consulting offers phishing simulation campaigns and awareness training to strengthen your human firewall. Reach out today and let’s talk security.
