Phishing emails are one of the most common ways attackers get into a business.

They don’t rely on hacking systems—they rely on tricking people.

The good news is most phishing emails have warning signs.

You just need to know what to look for.

What Is a Phishing Email?

A phishing email is designed to:

  • trick you into clicking a link
  • get you to enter your password
  • or convince you to take an action (like sending money)

They often pretend to be:

  • Microsoft or Google login alerts
  • invoices or payment requests
  • messages from coworkers or executives

Common Signs of a Phishing Email

1. Urgency or Pressure

Phishing emails often try to rush you.

Examples:

  • “Your account will be locked in 1 hour”
  • “Immediate action required”
  • “Payment overdue”

Attackers want you to act before you think.

2. Unexpected Requests

If something feels out of place, it probably is.

Examples:

  • a vendor suddenly changing payment instructions
  • a coworker asking for gift cards
  • a login alert you weren’t expecting

Always be cautious with links.

Before clicking:

  • hover over the link (on a computer)
  • check where it actually goes

Red flags:

  • misspelled domains (micros0ft.com)
  • strange URLs
  • shortened links

4. Requests for Credentials

Legitimate companies:

  • do NOT ask for passwords via email
  • do NOT send login forms in attachments

If an email asks you to log in: 👉 go directly to the website instead of clicking the link

5. Slightly “Off” Email Addresses

The display name may look correct—but the email address isn’t.

Examples:

Always check the actual sender address.

6. Poor Grammar or Formatting

Not always—but often:

  • spelling mistakes
  • awkward phrasing
  • inconsistent formatting

Many phishing emails are generated quickly or translated.

7. Attachments You Weren’t Expecting

Be cautious with:

  • PDFs
  • Word documents
  • ZIP files

Especially if:

  • you didn’t ask for them
  • they come from an unknown sender

What To Do If You’re Not Sure

If something feels off:

  • Don’t click anything
  • Don’t reply
  • Verify another way (call the person, go to the website directly)

When in doubt, slow down.

Why This Matters

Most security tools help—but they don’t catch everything.

Phishing attacks are designed to:

  • look legitimate
  • blend into normal business activity

That’s why user awareness is still critical.

The Real Takeaway

You don’t need to be a security expert.

You just need to:

  • pause before clicking
  • question unusual requests
  • and verify when something doesn’t feel right

That alone stops a large percentage of attacks.

Not sure where to start?

Read the Quick Start Guide

Need Help Reducing Risk?

If you’re not sure how well your business is protected against phishing—or whether your current tools are actually effective—it’s worth taking a closer look.

Get a cybersecurity review