Phishing is a common cyber scam where criminals pretend to be trusted organisations or people in order to steal sensitive information. These emails are carefully crafted to look legitimate and often appear to come from banks, delivery services, online platforms, or even someone you work with.
The aim is to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing personal details such as passwords or banking information. Once this information is exposed, it can be used for fraud, identity theft, or unauthorised access to your accounts.
Common Signs of a Phishing Email
Although phishing emails can look convincing, there are several warning signs that can help you identify them before any damage is done.
Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing emails often create panic by claiming your account will be suspended, a payment has failed, or immediate action is required to avoid consequences.
Suspicious Sender Details
Phishing emails often use sender names that look familiar, but the actual email address may include spelling mistakes, extra characters, or unfamiliar domains that indicate it is not genuine.
Suspicious Links and Attachments
Links and attachments in phishing emails should always be treated with caution, as hovering over a link may reveal an unfamiliar web address and unexpected attachments can install harmful malware on your device.
Protecting Yourself from Phishing Attacks
The most effective defence against phishing is careful verification. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from emails you were not expecting, especially if they request sensitive information.
Always confirm the request through a separate channel. If an email claims to be from your bank, service provider, or colleague, contact them directly using an official website or phone number rather than replying to the email.
Using spam filters, antivirus software, and keeping your system updated can significantly reduce the risk of phishing emails reaching your inbox.
Why Phishing Awareness Is Critical
Phishing attacks can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorised access to personal or business accounts. For businesses, even one compromised email can expose confidential data and disrupt operations.
Being aware of how phishing works and recognising the warning signs is your strongest line of defence.
If you would like help securing your email accounts or devices, Focus PC can provide professional support to keep your systems protected and your data safe.