Phishing emails are one of the most common and expensive cyber threats for small businesses. The FBI reports that phishing scams cost US businesses billions every year. It only takes one wrong click from an employee to give a hacker access to sensitive data, bank accounts, or even your entire network.
The good news is that most phishing attempts leave clues. If you know what to look for, you can stop them before they cause damage.
- Check the sender’s email address closely
The name might look familiar, but the real email address tells the truth. Cybercriminals will often change one letter or add an extra character so it looks almost identical.
Example: accounts@micros0ft.com instead of accounts@microsoft.com. - Watch for urgent or threatening language
Phishing emails often try to make you panic so you act without thinking.
Phrases like “Your account will be suspended soon” or “We detected suspicious activity” are red flags. If you feel pressured to respond quickly, slow down and confirm through another source. - Look for grammar or spelling mistakes
Legitimate companies proofread their emails. Phishing messages often have awkward sentences, missing words, or spelling errors.
Example: “Please verify you account informations immediately.” - Hover over links before clicking
Links can be disguised to look safe. Hover your mouse over the link without clicking to see where it really leads. If it shows a strange or unrelated address, do not click. - Be careful with unexpected attachments
If you were not expecting a file, especially a ZIP file, Word document, or Excel spreadsheet, do not open it. These files can contain malware that infects your computer instantly. - Verify any request for sensitive information
Legitimate businesses will not ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details through email. If you get an email asking for this information, treat it as suspicious and confirm with the sender using a trusted phone number or website.
What to do if you suspect a phishing email
Do not click on any links or open any attachments.
Report the email to your IT department or Computer Concepts.
Delete the message after reporting it.
If you did click something, run a full security scan on your device right away.
Local protection for local businesses
Phishing tactics are constantly evolving, but good training and security tools make a huge difference. At Computer Concepts, we work with businesses across Beloit, Rockford, and Janesville to block phishing attempts before they cause damage. Our team provides advanced email protection, employee security training, and real-time monitoring so you can focus on running your business without worrying about cyber threats.
If you want to know how secure your business email really is, contact Computer Concepts for a free security review. It is quick, confidential, and could save your business thousands of dollars in lost time and data.
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