One of the most common attacks that companies encounter are phishing attacks. Phishing is a very lucrative attack strategy for cybercriminals because thousands of people will fall victim to them yearly. Although phishing scams are happening more frequently, you can avoid them if you know how to spot and avoid them. Phishing scams, or fake emails that appear to be from a corporation or friend, are the most popular method used by cybercriminals to attack their victims. However, your business can avoid the most common phishing emails with the expertise of Managed IT Services Sacramento.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which criminals will use email, mobile, or social channels to send out communications designed to steal sensitive information such as bank account information, credit card details, and other important data. This information is used for various purposes such as identity theft, fraudulently obtaining funds, securing trade secrets, or even sensitive information about national security.
7 Best Tips to Prevent Phishing Emails

1. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Even if you know the sender of an email or instant message, you should not click on any links. This is because suspicious links often lead to malware or other harmful content. Suspicious links usually look like they should be safe but will often contain malicious codes that can infect your computer. If you click on one of these links, your computer will likely be infected with malware, which could lead to several problems and compromised security.
Instead of clicking on a suspicious link, it is safer to delete the message and never open it again. You are guaranteed to stay safe and avoid any potential damage or harm.
2. Pay Close Attention To Email Content
Phishing assaults are typically conducted overseas, but if you pay close attention, you can spot many scammers’ errors. One of the most common mistakes phishers make is sending an email that looks like it is from a well-known company or person. This is often done to trick you into revealing your personal information or clicking on a link in an email.
To prevent phishing attacks, the best way to avoid getting scammed is to be cautious when receiving suspicious emails. If something seems wrong, do not click on any links, or open any attachments. Instead, contact the sender directly and ask for clarification about what they are trying to tell you. You should always double check the sender’s email to clarify if it is an actual company or if they are using a similar email to trick you.
3. Never Trust Alarming Messages
It is essential to avoid alarming messages that might trap you in a phishing scam. They typically try to trick you into entering your personal information (like passwords) so that scammers can steal funds or use your data for fraudulent purposes.
If you see an alarming message about a new cyber threat that has been going around, be sure to take a step back and assess whether it is worth opening. Unfortunately, sometimes these messages are designed to alarm you so that you will give in to their demands, which will only lead to more problems.
4. Use Antivirus Software
There are several reasons to use software that protects you. It is possible to control access to files by blocking the attacks. Antivirus software helps prevent viruses, malware, and other threats from infecting your computer. It can also help keep your computer safe from spyware, adware, and other malicious software. Antivirus software can help ensure your computer is free from any potential harm by scanning your computer for diverse types of threats.
Antivirus software is also helpful in cases of data theft or loss. Protecting your files with antivirus software can minimize the chances of someone stealing or damaging them. Furthermore, it can help you recover lost files if they fall into the wrong hands.
5. Urgent Deadlines
Urgent deadlines are a common type of phishing scam. In this pattern, hackers will send out an email with a deadline to trap you into a phishing scam. The email usually asks for personal information like passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information.
This scam aims to steal your data and use it for financial gain or to harm your online security. Be aware of any emails that ask you to respond urgently with confidential information. If you need clarification on whether an email is legitimate, do not reply and report it to the spam folder on your email account.
6. Don’t Give Your Information to an Unsecured Site
Protecting your data by never giving it to an unsecured website is essential. Do not enter sensitive information if the website URL does not start with “HTTPS” or you cannot see a closed padlock icon next to the URL. Instead, use a secure browser like Chrome or Firefox and enter the website address in the address bar.
If you are still feeling insecure about entering sensitive information on a website, try using a password manager. This way, even if someone were to gain access to your login credentials, they would not be able to access any of your other sensitive information.
7. Beware of Spoofing
Spoofing scams trick people into thinking they are corresponding with someone they know. The scammer will create a fake account in your name and start sending you messages and emails that seem real. Then, they will try to get you to trust them by convincing you that the fake account is legitimate and that they have access to information about you that only you should know.
Once you are hooked, the scammer will demand money from you for them to stop using your identity or release any information they may have about you. So do not let yourself be scammed – be alert for suspicious messages and emails, and always use caution when sending anything online.