10 Ways to Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are one of the most common—and costly—cyber threats facing businesses today. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics, disguising malicious links and fake requests as routine emails, text messages, meeting invites, and even shared documents. The good news? With the right habits and awareness, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
Here are 10 practical, effective ways to avoid phishing scams:
1. Inspect the Sender’s Email Address Carefully
Phishing emails often appear to come from trusted sources, but a closer look usually reveals small red flags:
-
Misspelled domains
-
Extra numbers or characters
-
Generic email services for business communications
Always confirm the sender before clicking anything.
2. Hover Before You Click
Links can be disguised to look legitimate. Hover your cursor over a link to preview the actual URL. If it looks suspicious, unfamiliar, shortened, or misspelled—don’t click it.
3. Never Share Passwords or MFA Codes
Legitimate companies—including your IT provider—will never ask you to share:
-
Passwords
-
MFA (multi-factor authentication) codes
-
Recovery codes
A request for any of these is an immediate red flag.
4. Look for Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing scams rely on panic. Messages that say things like:
-
“Your account will be closed immediately!”
-
“Act now or lose access!”
-
“You missed a payment!”
…are designed to get you to react quickly. Slow down and verify.
5. Be Wary of Unexpected Attachments
If you weren’t expecting a document, PDF, voicemail file, or shipping invoice, treat it as suspicious—especially if it comes from someone you don’t normally receive attachments from.
6. Verify Requests for Money or Sensitive Information
Criminals often impersonate:
-
Executives
-
Vendors
-
Banks
-
Government agencies
Before taking action, confirm the request via a known and trusted communication channel—never reply directly to the suspicious message.
7. Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors
Professional organizations rarely send emails filled with mistakes.
Typos, awkward phrasing, and poor formatting are classic signs of a phishing attempt.
8. Keep Your Software Updated
Many phishing attacks rely on exploiting outdated systems.
Installing updates for:
-
Operating systems
-
Browsers
-
Security tools
-
Email clients
…helps block known vulnerabilities.
9. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Even if a cybercriminal steals your password, MFA can stop them cold. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent account compromise.
10. Train Your Team Regularly
Human error is the #1 cause of phishing-related breaches. Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps employees learn to:
-
Spot fake emails
-
Identify unsafe links
-
Report suspicious activity quickly
A well-trained team is your strongest defense.
Final Thoughts
Phishing scams are constantly evolving, but so can your defenses. By staying alert, verifying unusual requests, and strengthening your cybersecurity habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a phishing attack.
If your business needs help implementing phishing protection, employee training, or advanced email security tools, we’re here to help.
Email us at sales@quikteks.com or call us at (973)882-4644 if you want to discuss ways Quikteks can help your New Jersey/ NYC based business avoid phishing scams.