10 Tips for Identifying and Dealing With Phishing Email

Most people don’t question the “from” field in the emails they receive. We explain why they should and offer other guidelines for dealing with phishing email.

A favorite phishing tactic among cyber-criminals is to spoof the display name of an email. Here’s how it works: If a fraudster wanted to impersonate the hypothetical brand “My Bank,” the email may look something like the image here. Since My Bank doesn’t own the domain “secure.com,” email authentication defenses will not block this email on My Bank’s behalf. Once delivered, the email appears legitimate because most user inboxes and mobile phones will only present the display name. Always check the email address of the sender in the header; if it looks suspicious, flag the email.

Fraudsters not only spoof brands in the display name, but they also spoof brands in the sender’s email address, including the domain name. Keep in mind that just because the sender’s email address looks legitimate (such as [email protected]), it may not be. A familiar name in your inbox isn’t always who you think it is.

Cyber-criminals love to embed malicious links in legitimate-sounding copy. Hover your mouse over any links you find embedded in the body of your email. If the link address looks weird, don’t click on it. If you have any reservations about the link, send the email directly to your security team.

Brands are pretty serious about email. Legitimate messages usually do not have major spelling mistakes or poor grammar. Read your emails carefully and report anything that seems suspicious.

Is the email addressed to a vague “Valued Customer?” If so, watch out; legitimate businesses will often use a personal salutation with your first and last name.

Most companies will never ask for personal credentials via email, especially banks. Likewise, most companies will have policies preventing external communications of business IP. Stop yourself before revealing any confidential information over email.

Invoking a sense of urgency or fear is a common phishing tactic. Beware of subject lines that claim your “account has been suspended” or ask you to take action on an “urgent payment request.”

Lack of details about the signer or how you can contact a company strongly suggests a phishing attempt. Typically, legitimate businesses provide contact details. Check for them.

Including malicious attachments that contain viruses and malware is a common phishing tactic. Malware can damage files on your computer, steal your passwords or spy on you without your knowledge. Don’t open any email attachments you weren’t expecting.

Phishers are extremely good at what they do. Many malicious emails include convincing brand logos, language and a seemingly valid email address. Be skeptical when it comes to your email messages; if it looks even remotely suspicious, do not open it.