Identifying phishing emails

Everyone is subject to getting spam and phishing emails from time to time and no email security solution can prevent 100% of the malicious emails that are sent.

Therefore, a critical piece of your email security strategy must be education. Below are the top ten tips that will help you identify these emails if, and when you receive them.

A favorite phishing tactic among cybercriminals is to spoof the display name of an email.

Cybercriminals love to embed malicious links in legitimate-sounding copy. Hover your mouse over any links you find embedded in the body of your email. If the link address looks weird, don’t click on it.

Brands are pretty serious about email. Legitimate messages usually do not have major spelling mistakes or poor grammar. Read your emails carefully and report anything that seems suspicious.

Is the email addressed to a vague “Valued Customer?” If so, watch out—legitimate businesses will often use a personal salutation with your first and last name.

Most companies will never ask for personal credentials via email–especially banks. Likewise, most companies will have policies in place preventing external communications of business IP. Stop yourself before revealing any confidential information over email.

Invoking a sense of urgency or fear is a common phishing tactic. Beware of subject lines that claim your “account has been suspended” or ask you to action an “urgent payment request.”

Lack of details about the signer or how you can contact a company strongly suggests a phish. Legitimate businesses always provide contact details. Check for them!

Including malicious attachments that contain viruses and malware is a common phishing tactic. Malware can damage files on your computer, steal your passwords or spy on you without your knowledge. Don’t open any email attachments you weren’t expecting.

Fraudsters not only spoof brands in the display name, but also spoof brands in the header from email address, including the domain name. Keep in mind that just because the sender’s email address looks legitimate (e.g [email protected]), it may not be. A familiar name in your inbox isn’t always who you think it is!

Phishers are extremely good at what they do. Many malicious emails include convincing brand logos, language, and a seemingly valid email address. Be skeptical when it comes to your email messages—if it looks even remotely suspicious, do not open it.

Plow can be your first line of defense against email fraud. Want to learn more about how Plow can help you secure your network? Contact us today.

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