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Phishing: What It Is and How to Avoid Getting Hooked

Updated: Sep 6

Phishing is one of the most common and successful cyberattacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) today. As a cybersecurity consultant working with SMBs, I see phishing attempts land in inboxes almost daily—cleverly disguised as invoices, password resets, or even messages from your boss. If your team isn’t trained to spot the warning signs, one wrong click can lead to data theft, financial loss, or even full-blown ransomware attacks.


For those new to cybersecurity, this post will break down what phishing is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to protect your business.



What Is Phishing?


Phishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals impersonate a trusted source—like a vendor, coworker, or familiar company—to trick someone into clicking a malicious link, opening a harmful attachment, or sharing sensitive information. The goal is usually to steal login credentials, financial data, or access to internal systems.


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Phishing can come in many forms:


  • Email phishing: The most common form. Emails may look like messages from banks, HR departments, or software providers.

  • Spear phishing: A more targeted version, often aimed at specific individuals, such as company executives or finance staff.

  • Smishing and vishing: Phishing via SMS or phone calls, often urging quick action or pretending to be a trusted source.



How to Spot a Phishing Attempt


Phishing emails are getting harder to spot, but there are still some telltale signs. Train your team to watch for:


  • Generic greetings: “Dear user” instead of using your name.

  • Spelling or grammar errors: Many phishing emails contain awkward phrasing or obvious mistakes.

  • Unexpected attachments or links: Especially if you weren’t expecting an invoice, receipt, or shared document.

  • Urgent language or threats: Messages that create panic, like “Your account will be closed in 24 hours.”

  • Unusual sender addresses: The name may look familiar, but the email address is off—e.g., “accounts@micr0soft-support.com.”


If anything feels off, it’s best to verify the message using a separate communication channel—don’t reply or click anything until you’re sure it’s legit.


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How to Stay Protected


Phishing relies on human error, which means prevention starts with awareness and behavior. Here are some best practices to reduce your risk:


  • Think before you click: Hover over links to see where they lead. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.

  • Verify requests: Especially when money, passwords, or sensitive data is involved. Pick up the phone or message the person through known, trusted channels.

  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Even if a password is stolen, MFA can block unauthorized access.

  • Keep systems updated: Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities attackers may exploit.

  • Use spam filters and anti-phishing tools: These help block known threats before they hit inboxes.



Cybersecurity Training Is a Must


The best technology in the world can’t stop a well-meaning employee from clicking on the wrong link. That’s why regular cybersecurity training is one of the smartest investments an SMB can make.


Training doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Start with short sessions or e-learning modules that explain phishing, demonstrate real examples, and walk through safe email practices. Run phishing simulations to give employees hands-on practice spotting fake emails. Make cybersecurity a regular conversation—not a once-a-year checklist.



Wrapping It Up


Phishing is a simple scam with potentially serious consequences. But with the right knowledge, your team can become the strongest defense against it. Teach your employees what phishing looks like, build a culture of caution, and support them with clear policies and tools.


Cybersecurity starts with people. Help your team learn to spot the bait—before it’s too late.

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