Home Defending Against Phishing Scams: Tips for Employees

Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of cyber threats, and employees are often the primary targets. Here are some practical tips for defending against phishing scams:

1. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails

• Check the sender’s email address: Verify if the email comes from a legitimate source. Phishing emails often come from addresses that appear similar to legitimate ones but may have subtle differences.
• Look for spelling or grammatical errors: Phishing emails often contain mistakes or awkward phrasing.

2. Verify Links Before Clicking

• Hover your mouse over links to preview the URL before clicking on them. Phishers often create fake websites with URLs that look like the real thing but contain slight variations.
• Avoid clicking links from unknown or unsolicited emails.

3. Don’t Open Unexpected Attachments

• Avoid opening attachments from unfamiliar sources: Phishing emails often contain malware or viruses disguised as attachments.
• If you’re unsure, contact the sender via another communication channel to confirm the attachment’s legitimacy.

4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Enable MFA on all company accounts to add an extra layer of security. Even if a phishing scam compromises your password, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access.

5. Don’t Share Sensitive Information Over Email

• Refrain from sharing personal or financial information via email, especially if the request seems urgent or comes from a suspicious source.
• If in doubt, directly contact the person or company making the request through a known, trusted communication method.

6. Educate and Train Employees Regularly

• Conduct regular phishing awareness training to help employees recognize potential scams.
• Encourage employees to report any suspicious emails to your IT or security team for further investigation.

7. Use Email Filtering Tools

• Implement advanced email filtering software to flag phishing emails before they reach employees’ inboxes. This can help reduce the number of phishing attempts that employees are exposed to.

8. Check for Unusual Requests or Urgency

• Phishing scams often create a sense of urgency (e.g., “Your account has been compromised!” or “Immediate action required!”). Be skeptical of urgent requests for sensitive information or money transfers.

9. Stay Updated on the Latest Phishing Techniques

• Phishing tactics evolve rapidly. Encourage employees to stay informed about the latest phishing threats and methods.

By following these tips, employees can become more vigilant and less likely to fall victim to phishing scams, safeguarding both personal and company data.