The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to Stop Phishing E-mails

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent and successful cyberattacks today, with over 3.4 billion spam emails flooding inboxes daily. Unsurprisingly, these schemes dominate the digital threat landscape—they’re simple to execute, easy to scale, and still fool many. The rise of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has only made it easier for cybercriminals to craft emails that appear authentic and credible. If left unchecked, phishing scams can wreak havoc on your business.

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve outlined a practical approach to help you and your team identify phishing emails and understand the critical importance of staying vigilant.

The Cost of a Phishing Attack: Four Major Risks

1. Data Breaches

Falling victim to phishing attacks may expose confidential information, putting your organization at risk of data breaches. Hackers may sell the data on the dark web or demand ransom without guaranteeing its safe return. This can lead to severe financial, legal, and reputational consequences, potentially driving away customers and damaging your business.

2. Financial Theft

Phishing emails are often designed to trick businesses into transferring funds or paying fraudulent invoices. If your organization falls for these scams, the financial loss can significantly impact your profits.

3. Malware

Emails containing phishing attempts frequently include dangerous links or attachments. When interacted with, these can introduce malware into your systems, causing disruptions in operations, loss of data, and costly recovery efforts.

4. Compromised Accounts

Once an employee’s credentials are stolen, attackers can access sensitive accounts, potentially launching more attacks or stealing additional data.

To protect your business from these risks, it’s essential to implement strategies that empower your team to recognize phishing attempts.

Introducing the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method for Spotting Phishing Emails

You can train your employees to use the S.E.C.U.R.E. method to detect phishing emails before they cause harm:

• S – Start with the Subject Line: Is it strange or overly urgent? Watch for odd formats like “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately.”
• E – Examine the Sender’s Email Address: Is the address slightly off, or unfamiliar? Watch for subtle misspellings or unexpected senders.
• C – Consider the Greeting: Does it feel impersonal or generic? Phishing emails often start with vague greetings like “Hello Sir” or “Dear Valued Customer.”
• U – Unpack the Message: Is there an exaggerated sense of urgency or promises of too-good-to-be-true offers? These are classic red flags.
• R – Review for Errors: Are there glaring grammar issues, awkward wording, or unusual formatting?
• E – Evaluate Links and Attachments: Hover over links before clicking to ensure they route to legitimate websites. Avoid opening attachments from unknown senders.

By following the S.E.C.U.R.E. method, you’ll be better equipped to fend off phishing attacks and protect your business from falling victim to one of the most common forms of cybercrime.

However, prevention doesn’t stop at education. It’s crucial to have a Cybersecurity expert oversee your systems, manage spam filters, and provide continuous monitoring. Phishing attacks are pervasive and can strike at any moment, and we’re here to ensure your business doesn’t become the next victim.

If you want to train your team, secure your network, or evaluate your current Cybersecurity measures, contact us at 407-995-6766 or book a FREE Discovery Call with our team of experts. We’re ready to help.