How to Spot A Phishing Attempt
🚨 How to Spot a Phishing Attempt
Phishing scams are getting smarter—but so can you. Here’s how to stay a step ahead:
- Generic Greetings
If it starts with “Dear Customer” or something equally vague, be wary. Legitimate companies almost always use your real name. - Scare Tactics or Urgent Language
“Your account will be suspended!” Phishers love to create panic. Don’t rush—verify the claim directly through the company’s official website or app. - Suspicious Links or Attachments
Before you click, hover your mouse over the link. If the URL looks odd or doesn’t match the sender’s domain, don’t click it. - Spelling and Grammar Errors
Professional companies proofread. Frequent mistakes can be a red flag that the message is fake. - Requests for Sensitive Information
No trustworthy organization will ask for passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data via email. When in doubt, contact them directly.
🔐 Quick Tips to Protect Your Company
Phishing protection starts with smart habits and strong tools:
- Activate Spam Filters
Use up-to-date filters to block known phishing messages before they hit your inbox. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if someone steals your password, MFA adds an extra layer of protection to keep them out. - Report Suspicious Emails
Don’t just delete phishing attempts—report them to your IT team or email provider to help protect others.
Contact your account manager or email our Customer Care team on customercare@cogent.co.nz if you are interested in a phishing simulation campaign to evaluate how well prepared your employees are.