How to Identify a Phishing Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
As part of Cybersecurity Month, we’re focusing on the top five threats outlined in the Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP) under the 405(d) Program, a collaboration between the federal government and the Health Sector Coordinating Council. One of these key threats is social engineering, particularly phishing attacks. Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information or install malicious software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recognize phishing emails and protect your organization from falling victim.
Step 1: Check the Sender’s Email Address
Phishing emails often come from addresses that look legitimate at first glance but contain slight misspellings or additional characters. Always double-check the sender’s email address to ensure it matches the organization’s official domain.
Step 2: Look for Suspicious Subject Lines
Be wary of subject lines that create a sense of urgency, like “Action Required” or “Your Account Has Been Compromised.” Phishing emails often use fear tactics to get you to act quickly without thinking.
Step 3: Examine the Content for Errors and Urgent Requests
Phishing emails typically contain poor grammar, spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing and ask for you to urgently update your account. A professional organization will rarely send out emails with such errors, so this paired with a request to update your account information is a big red flag.
Step 4: Avoid Clicking on Links
Hover over any links in the email without clicking them. The destination URL will appear, allowing you to see if the link directs to a legitimate site or a suspicious one. If the URL looks unfamiliar or doesn’t match the supposed sender, do not click.
Step 5: Check for Unusual Attachments
Phishing emails often include attachments designed to install malware on your device. If you weren’t expecting an attachment from the sender, don’t download it. Always verify the legitimacy of the attachment with the sender before opening it.
Step 6: Analyze the Greeting
Legitimate organizations will usually address you by name. Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.” If the email doesn’t address you personally, it’s worth being cautious.
Step 7: Trust Your Gut
If something feels off about the email, don’t ignore that instinct. When in doubt, reach out directly to the organization through a known contact method to verify the message’s authenticity.
Why This Matters
Phishing is one of the five major threats identified in the HICP under the 405(d) Program. By learning how to spot phishing emails, you’re taking an essential step in protecting your organization from cyberattacks. Social engineering is a growing threat, but with a strong security program that regularly tests phishing followed up by awareness training, you can mitigate its risks and contribute to a safer digital environment. Contact Latitude today for more information.
