Phishing emails are everywhere. As part of your spring-cleaning, why not sweep out those dodgy phishing emails too and keep your inbox safe from potential threats. Let’s go!
Why is recognizing phishing emails important?
Unfortunately, phishing emails are still one of the easiest ways for hackers to get access to your accounts and devices. Scammers are even using AI tools to create convincing phishing emails that anyone could fall for. Understanding how to recognize phishing attempts will help you avoid becoming the next victim in a cyberattack and keeps your accounts safe.
Signs to look out for
Here are a few signs that you should look out for the next time you’re checking your emails:
- Emails from unknown senders
- Strange looking email addresses
- Misspelled URLs or websites
- Suspicious links or attachments in the email
- Messages that are “urgent”
Anytime you doubt an email is a sign that it may not be what it seems. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.
What should I do?
Follow these tips to help reduce the chance of receiving phishing emails:
- Unsubscribe to any newsletters or mailing lists that you no longer need
- Delete any old emails that you don’t recognize
- Block all spam senders
- Report any phishing attempts or dodgy looking emails
- DON’T click links or download attachments
What if I clicked a link in a phishing email?
While we all want to believe that we won’t click a link, it can happen to the best of us. Firstly, don’t panic! Report the email to the service provider, change your password, enable MFA, set up security notifications for suspicious activity, and monitor your account. Do these actions immediately instead of waiting for something to happen and you should be OK.
Protect your inbox
Phishing is here to stay, for a long time. The best we can do is be aware of what to look out for and do our part to avoid becoming the next victim. Keep your inbox clean and don’t hesitate to report any dodgy emails as part of your online safety. Be secure!
