How to Spot a Phishing Email: Tips to Detect a Fake Email
![Phishing 3390518 1920](/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBelI1RGc9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--f83b7ce7d2b9c954f2374db23783bc95438d65bb/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2QzNKbGMybDZaVWtpRFRjMU1IZzBOVEJlQmpzR1ZBPT0iLCJleHAiOm51bGwsInB1ciI6InZhcmlhdGlvbiJ9fQ==--9a8cb233bbd899661209fac1218cb930366c2398/phishing_3390518_1920.jpg)
Anyone can be a victim of phishing, these tips will help you recognise whether an email is accurate
Email is an effective gateway for hackers and cybercriminals, with especially for social engineering attacks such as phishing.
A 2017 study from Keepnet Labs showed that a staggering 48.2 percent of phishing messages were opened by the target across all campaigns, up from 30 percent in 2016.
Security issues like malware and ransomware are frequently delivered via email - and so it takes just one unrecognised successful breach to affect the safety of an organisation.
According to Keepnet Labs, phishing attacks tend to be successful as they target basic human natural responses. This is due to the fact that the emails are disguised to look like those sent by popular brands & organisations, however there are ways to spot when something isn’t right.
Here are some tips for detecting a phishing email.
1. Incorrect spelling & grammar
The structure of an email is often the first way to spot whether it is a phishing email or not. The writing style is likely to appear different to how it is usually written from the original sender, even in the slightest way.
Organisations and brand marketers tend to take their communication very seriously, and often have emails proof-read before being sent out so it is highly unlikely the email came from the original source if an email is packed with spelling and grammar mistakes.
2. Strange URLs
A phishing email is likely to include some links to direct you to a site asking for login details, where would-be attackers can then steal account details.
This is often overlooked as the URLs appear to be valid or even similar to the link you are used to logging into but if checking emails from a PC, you can hover your mouse over the link where you can see the actual hyperlink – if it looks unfamiliar, then it's not safe to click.
The domain name may also be different to the organisation or brand it claims to be from, so check the sender address and look back at how domain addresses usually appear in previous, legitimate emails you have received from that organisation.
3. Personal information
If the email begins with ‘Dear Customer’ as opposed to being addressed by your name, it is unlikely that it came from the organisation itself. If it is an organisation that has your personal details on file, then they are more likely to address the email to you.
Also, a bank would never ask for your personal information via email. It would also never ask you to submit your account details in such way. This is a clear way to spot a phishing email.
4. Requests urgent action
Emails that claim "urgent action" is required are very frequent phishing scams as the fraudster is likely to be tricking the user to click links to access personal data.
If you receive an email stating this, with a threat that your account may be closed or blocked, for instance, it is best to give the organisation a direct call before taking any action. Usually, if it is coming from them they will either write a letter or call you themselves.
5. Alarming content
Often, phishing emails are written in an alarming manner to trick the person into clicking links out of excitement or fear.
They are likely to say you have won a prize or some sort of discount, sometimes they might even say there’s been fraud on your account – all of which can cause panicked responses from people. Instead of clicking the link, just go the company’s website and log in directly, any of the information (if accurate) is likely to be on there.
It is better to confirm from the supposed sender before taking actions which require sharing your personal details.
6. What to do if you’ve been a victim?
As phishing emails are often very difficult to spot, it is likely that many people and organisations have been a victim, perhaps without even realising it.
However, there are actions that can be taken to avoid further fraud. If you know you have been a victim, or suspect you might be from an email you have received then it is a good idea to report it as a crime.
This type of issue can be reported as suspicious communications via an online form on the Action Fraudwebsite. There is also more information on what to do in the case of phishing scams on the government website.
Source: computerworlduk
![Banner Default Image](https://www.dclsearch.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdytMRGc9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--683221fba4088f48e5f9c99e2719b73064c09cee/banner-default.jpg)
Latest Jobs
-
- Network & Security Consultant
- Spain
- Upto €54000 per year and benefits
-
Senior Network & Security Engineer to join a Managed Network & Security Team in Europe. In this critical role, you will: Play a pivotal role in managing and securing network infrastructure across datacenters, customer connections, and on-premise deployments. Proactively monitor network and security devices, analyse incidents, and implement solutions to ensure optimal performance and security. Collaborate with colleagues and customers to troubleshoot issues, troubleshoot outages, and implement effective resolutions. Lead and participate in network system installations for new facilities and expansions. Develop and maintain network infrastructure procedures, recommend technical strategies, and propose improvements to enhance network capabilities. Stay up-to-date on the latest network and security technologies and trends. Work as part of a collaborative international team, contributing to team presentations and knowledge sharing. To be successful, you'll need: Proven expertise in Cisco network solutions (CCNP R&S/Sec/Wireless preferred)for both BAU and project work. In-depth knowledge of network security principles and experience with Fortinet firewalls. Experience deploying and managing large, complex network infrastructure (routing, switching, wireless, security). Solid understanding of ITIL v3 framework for incident, change, and problem management. Excellent troubleshooting skills with experience using Wireshark or similar protocol analysers. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
-
- Security Analyst - Internal role. London commutable. £50,000
- London
- £50,000
-
Security Analyst - Internal role. London commutable opportunity. Operational Security - Investigate, escalate and proactively work to ensure household name remains protected. Project Security - Coordinate, log change requests with project delivery teams to meet security requirements Policy / compliance - work with team to aid in uplifting these as and where needed This role is role to investigate, escalate and proactively work to protect a globally recognised brand. You must have current hands on operational analytical security experience with Microsoft technology stack Someone with a SOC Analyst / security engineering background would be well suited. This position will join a small team and would suit someone that has broad experience across the security threat landscape. Experience / knowledge across industry GRC standards such NIST, ISO27001 etc would be advantageous. You will work across multiple teams proactively working to secure the business. Must be able to commute to Central London 3 days a week. Visa sponsorship not available Apply today to find out more.
-
- Network & Security Consultant
- Romania
- €54000 plus benefits
-
Senior Network & Security Engineer to join a Managed Network & Security Team in Europe. In this critical role, you will: Play a pivotal role in managing and securing network infrastructure across datacenters, customer connections, and on-premise deployments. Proactively monitor network and security devices, analyse incidents, and implement solutions to ensure optimal performance and security. Collaborate with colleagues and customers to troubleshoot issues, troubleshoot outages, and implement effective resolutions. Lead and participate in network system installations for new facilities and expansions. Develop and maintain network infrastructure procedures, recommend technical strategies, and propose improvements to enhance network capabilities. Stay up-to-date on the latest network and security technologies and trends. Work as part of a collaborative international team, contributing to team presentations and knowledge sharing. To be successful, you'll need: Proven expertise in Cisco network solutions (CCNP R&S/Sec/Wireless preferred) for both BAU and project work. In-depth knowledge of network security principles and experience with Fortinet firewalls. Experience deploying and managing large, complex network infrastructure (routing, switching, wireless, security). Solid understanding of ITIL v3 framework for incident, change, and problem management. Excellent troubleshooting skills with experience using Wireshark or similar protocol analysers. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
-
- Network & Security Consultant
- Hungary
- Upto €54000 per year and benefits
-
Senior Network & Security Engineer to join a Managed Network & Security Team in Europe. In this critical role, you will: Play a pivotal role in managing and securing network infrastructure across datacenters, customer connections, and on-premise deployments. Proactively monitor network and security devices, analyse incidents, and implement solutions to ensure optimal performance and security. Collaborate with colleagues and customers to troubleshoot issues, troubleshoot outages, and implement effective resolutions. Lead and participate in network system installations for new facilities and expansions. Develop and maintain network infrastructure procedures, recommend technical strategies, and propose improvements to enhance network capabilities. Stay up-to-date on the latest network and security technologies and trends. Work as part of a collaborative international team, contributing to team presentations and knowledge sharing. To be successful, you'll need: Proven expertise in Cisco network solutions (CCNP R&S/Sec/Wireless preferred) for both BAU and project work. In-depth knowledge of network security principles and experience with Fortinet firewalls. Experience deploying and managing large, complex network infrastructure (routing, switching, wireless, security). Solid understanding of ITIL v3 framework for incident, change, and problem management. Excellent troubleshooting skills with experience using Wireshark or similar protocol analysers. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.