Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats facing small businesses, and it works by tricking people into giving away sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, or login credentials. These attacks often arrive as emails, text messages, or fake website links that appear to come from trusted companies, coworkers, or service providers. Learning to recognize the warning signs is the first step to staying protected.
Phishing Warning Signs
“Hey, it’s me!”
Always check the sender’s email address carefully, not just the display name.
“It’s an emergency!”
Be cautious of urgent language such as “account suspended,” “payment required immediately,” or “verify now,” which is designed to pressure you into acting quickly.
“Click here to secure your account/redeem your prize!”
Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages. Instead, visit the company’s website directly by typing the address into your browser.
Keep it Hidden, Keep it Safe
Strong security habits add another layer of protection. Use unique passwords for each account and store them in a password manager. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible so attackers can’t access accounts even if a password is compromised. Finally, train employees to spot suspicious messages and report them immediately. A few minutes of awareness training can prevent costly data breaches, financial loss, and damage to your business reputation.
Check out some common email scams in our blog:
