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The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to Stop Phishing Emails

Phishing attacks are a serious problem because, unfortunately, they work. Over 3.4 billion spam emails hit inboxes every day, and phishing emails are the most common. They’ve been at the top of the cyberattack list for years because they’re easy to create, easy to send, and still trick people. Now, with AI tools like ChatGPT, cybercriminals can make these emails look even more convincing.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to talk about phishing emails and how you can protect yourself. Here’s a simple guide to help you and your team spot these attacks before they cause harm.

What Can Happen?

Phishing scams can cause a lot of damage. Here are four big risks you face when falling for one of these scams:

  1. Data Breaches
    Phishing can expose sensitive company information to hackers. Once they have your data, they can sell it on the dark web or demand a ransom to return it, often without any intention of giving it back. This can lead to financial loss, legal issues, reputation damage, and loss of trust with your customers.
  2. Financial Loss
    Phishing is often used to steal money directly. Fraudulent invoices or unauthorized transactions can seriously hurt your business’s bottom line.
  3. Malware Infections
    Some phishing emails contain harmful attachments or links. If clicked, these can install malware on your systems, disrupting your business and requiring expensive fixes.
  4. Compromised Accounts
    When employees fall for phishing, their accounts can be taken over by cybercriminals. Attackers can use these compromised accounts to launch more attacks or access sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself: The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method

Phishing attacks can happen to anyone, but with the right habits, you can protect your team. Use the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to help spot phishing emails:

  • S – Start with the Subject Line: Does it seem off? Something like “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately” is a red flag.
  • E – Examine the Email Address: Do you recognize the sender? Is the email address misspelled or unfamiliar?
  • C – Consider the Greeting: Is the salutation weird or overly generic? Phrases like “Hello Ma’am!” are often a sign of a phishing attempt.
  • U – Unpack the Message: Is the email urging you to act quickly, click a link, or take advantage of a deal that seems too good to be true?
  • R – Review for Errors: Are there strange grammar mistakes or misspellings?
  • E – Evaluate Links and Attachments: Hover over links to see where they lead. Don’t open attachments from anyone you don’t know or weren’t expecting.

It’s also essential to have a cybersecurity expert monitor your systems and reduce email spam before it reaches your employees. Phishing works because it’s so common, and we don’t want you to become the next victim.

If you need help training your team on cybersecurity best practices or want an expert to review your current setup for vulnerabilities, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (505) 792-2375 or click here to schedule a consultation.