Phishing is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted entity, often through an email containing a link to a malicious website. The site may deploy malware, like ransomware, to compromise systems and organizations or trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, or making unauthorized financial transactions upon clicking the link.
Signs of a Phishing Email
To protect yourself and your organization from falling victim to phishing attacks, we strongly recommend that you remain vigilant and be aware of the following warning signs:
- Suspicious Email Sender: Exercise caution when receiving emails from unfamiliar or unexpected senders, especially those claiming to be from reputable organizations or institutions.
Example: You receive an email from “noreply@appspot.googlemail.com” claiming to be from Google, urging you to click on a link to update your account information.
- Urgency and Threats: Phishing emails often employ a sense of urgency or threaten individuals to take immediate action. Be wary of such tactics and carefully evaluate the legitimacy of the message.
Example: You receive an email stating that your account will be suspended unless you click on a link provided within the email to verify your credentials.
- Generic Greetings or Poor Grammar: Phishing emails frequently lack personalization and may contain grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. Pay attention to these indicators as they may suggest malicious intent.
Example: You receive an email addressed as “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name, or the email contains multiple grammar mistakes and typos.
- Suspicious URLs: Always hover your mouse cursor over hyperlinks to reveal the true destination before clicking. Ensure that the URL matches the expected domain and does not redirect you to unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
Example: You receive an email claiming to be from a trusted bank, but the link within the email leads to a different domain, such as “http://example.com/bank-login” instead of the legitimate bank’s website.