Phishing emails are like Trojan horses, they have the element of deception, tucking away malicious intentions behind innocent-looking messages. 

Every day, employees like you are the frontline defense against these sneaky attacks, which can compromise sensitive information, disrupt operations, and even lead to financial losses. 

The IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2023 report pegs phishing as the most common cause of data breaches with breaches caused by phishing attacks being the second most expensive, at an average cost of $4.76 million. 

However, with the right knowledge, you can outsmart these cybercriminals and keep your organization safe. In this article, we will show you how to spot a phishing email like a pro.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

In the first few months of 2023, most emails reported by employees (about 60%) tried to trick people into sharing their login information. When organizations got hacked, they often dealt with downtime, disruptions, and leaked sensitive data.

Deciphering a phishing email is all about paying attention to the tiniest detail, most times we tend to think it is an easy task. However it takes less than 60 seconds to fall for a phishing email. Below are 6 tips to ensure you don't fall victim.

1. Verify the Sender's Email Address: Be cautious of emails from unfamiliar senders or those with subtle variations in the domain name. Scammers often mimic legitimate addresses with slight changes or extra characters. Be wary of unknown or suspicious sources.

1. Watch for Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing emails often try to trick you into acting fast by using fear tactics. Beware of messages that claim your account has been compromised, require urgent attention or use threatening language. Legitimate organizations usually communicate clearly and professionally without threats. Research from the Sony Pictures Hack in 2014 indicates that the hackers got access to Sony's systems by sending fake emails to Sony employees, pretending to be from Apple, warning of a security issue. The emails threatened to lock them out if they didn't act within 48 hours. This is a classic phishing tactic. Remember to stay calm and skeptical when encountering such emails.

1. Check Suspicious Links: Hover over hyperlinks without clicking to reveal the actual destination. Scammers often disguise malicious URLs with misleading display names. Look out for misspelled domain names, extra subdomains, or strange characters that indicate a potential scam. In 2020, Levitas Capital's co-founder fell victim to a phishing scam when he clicked a fake Zoom link in an email. This led to malware infecting their network, generating fraudulent invoices, causing financial and reputational damage. 

1. Be Cautious of Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations rarely request sensitive data like passwords, debit card numbers, or Bank Verification Number (BVN) via email. Be wary of such requests, as they may be phishing scams. Emails were sent to employees at Snapchat from CEO, Evan Spiegel requesting employees’ payroll information. Although the email appeared legitimate, it was a phishing scam. To protect yourself, verify the authenticity of such requests by contacting the organization directly using trusted contact information, such as the phone number on their official website or a phone number you know is genuine. Don't respond or click on links from unverified sources

1. Grammar and Spelling Mistakes Can Be a Red Flag: Phishing attempts often involve emails with noticeable errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. These mistakes can be a result of automated systems or individuals who are not familiar with the language. While occasional errors can occur, consistent or glaring mistakes should raise suspicion (It’s important to note that, with AI supporting phishing attacks, language and spelling errors may become less common). 

1. Be Wary of Unexpected Attachments: Exercise caution when opening email attachments, especially if they're unexpected or from unknown senders. Attachments can contain malware or viruses that compromise your device's security. 

Phishing emails are persistent and no organization or industry is spared, not even non profit organizations or hospitals. By following the six tips outlined in this article, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to a phishing attack. Remember, vigilance and skepticism are key when dealing with emails. Take the time to verify the authenticity of emails, and never hesitate to report suspicious activity. Stay safe and informed by subscribing to the Cyberkach blog to stay ahead of phishing threats