Email has become one of the most popular forms of communication in the workplace. While it is a great, convenient method of communication, hackers have found that email is a great way to catch their next victim. Phishing emails are emails sent out by hackers that allow them to gain access to your personal information. Hackers will often disguise themselves as relevant businesses to try and lure you in. Here are four signs of phishing emails you should always be aware of.
Personal Information Inquiries
A phishing email often looks very authentic and believable, which is why it’s one of the most common online threats. However, a phishing email may ask you for more information than typically expected. If you come across an email that requests personal information that you wouldn’t normally provide via email, it is probably a scam. Do not click on any links in the email or send a reply, both of which could give them access to your network.
Poorly Written
Though phishing emails can be made to look legitimate, often times they contain a lot of poor grammar usage in the body of the message. If you suspect a phishing email, read the email carefully for any spelling and grammar mistakes. Emails from a legitimate business should be professionally written and checked for error. Some hackers will do this on purpose to try and reach those that are most gullible.
Urgent Message
Hackers who send phishing emails want quick responses, so they may send messages that are made to trigger action. For example, some phishing emails may be sent in the form of a warning about one of your accounts. The email will let you know that your network or account’s safety has been compromised and will ask for login credentials or personal information to secure it. When you receive emails like this, it’s easy to impulsively respond without thinking about the legitimacy of the claim. If you come across an email like this, really consider if what they are asking is reasonable. If you’re unsure, contact the company that emailed you through a different method.
Questionable Email Addresses
Cyber criminals make it their goal to trick recipients of phishing emails into believing they are from a legitimate company or business. Often times, the email address that they use will be a different version of what the company really uses. At first glance, these email addresses may look legitimate, but pay close attention to where your emails are coming from. Before even clicking on suspicious links, you want to verify the legitimacy of the email address. Sometimes, simply clicking on a phishing email is enough to give them access to your network. If you have any doubts, it is probably best to just get rid of the email.
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