Phishing attacks remain the most prevalent form of cybercrime today—and for a simple reason: they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam emails make their way into inboxes around the world. These attacks continue to thrive because they are easy to launch, scale, and, unfortunately, effective. With the rise of AI tools, cybercriminals can now craft phishing emails that are even harder to detect, mimicking human communication patterns with startling accuracy.
As a business owner or decision-maker, the last thing you want is to fall victim to these scams, as the damage can be severe.
In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve created a straightforward guide to help you and your team identify phishing emails. Given that these emails are one of the top causes of cyberattacks, understanding how to spot them is critical to safeguarding your business.
The Risks: What’s at Stake with Phishing Attacks?
- Data Breaches
Phishing schemes often expose sensitive information, leaving your organization vulnerable. Stolen data can be sold on the dark web or held for ransom. The fallout from such a breach can include legal consequences, financial loss, and irreparable damage to your reputation and client trust.
- Financial Loss
Cybercriminals can use phishing to directly steal funds from your business. This may involve fraudulent invoices, unauthorized bank transfers, or other deceptive tactics. The end result? A direct hit to your bottom line.
- Malware Infections
Malicious links or attachments within phishing emails can lead to malware infections, which can shut down operations, cause data loss, and result in costly remediation.
- Compromised Accounts
When employees fall victim to phishing, their accounts can be compromised, giving attackers access to sensitive data or allowing them to escalate the attack internally.
These are just a few examples of what can go wrong. But the good news is that phishing attacks are preventable—if you know how to spot them.
Introducing the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method
At Diverse CTI, we believe in empowering businesses to protect themselves. That’s why we’ve adopted the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method—a quick and effective way for you and your employees to spot & stop phishing emails before they cause harm.
- S – Start with the Subject Line: Does it seem unusual? Subject lines like “FWD: FWD: FWD: Urgent! Review Immediately!” are red flags.
- E – Examine the Email Address: Does it match the sender’s usual address? Be on the lookout for slight misspellings or unfamiliar email domains. Such as HR@yourcomapny.com (see that?)
- C – Consider the Greeting: Does it feel generic or odd? An email addressed as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “Hello Ma’am!” could be a sign of a phishing attempt.
- U – Unpack the Message: Is there a sense of extreme urgency? Scammers often pressure you into clicking a link, or downloading an attachment, by making offers that seem too good to be true? Did your coworker ask you to update their banking information right before payroll?
- R – Review for Errors: Are there grammar mistakes or strange misspellings? While some phishing emails are crafted to perfection, many contain these telltale signs.
- E – Evaluate Links and Attachments: Always hover over links before clicking to see the destination URL, and don’t open attachments from unrecognized senders or those you weren’t expecting. When in doubt, report it as spam and send it to your IT Guru for validation!
Stay One Step Ahead with Diverse CTI
Phishing attacks happen all the time, but you don’t have to be the next victim. The best way to protect your business is by implementing strong cybersecurity measures, including real-time monitoring and spam filtering, before any emails reach your employees.
Diverse CTI delivers exceptional cybersecurity solutions, including employee training, phishing simulations, and robust network protection. If you're questioning your current defenses or need expert advice, we’re ready to assist. Call 405-210-3000 or click here to schedule a consultation
Don’t wait until it’s too late—stay secure, stay ahead.
