Phishing Attacks: How to Spot & Prevent Them

In today’s digital world, phishing attacks have become one of the most common—and dangerous—forms of cybercrime. These attacks trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, or company data by pretending to be a trusted source.

Whether you’re an individual user or a growing business, understanding how phishing works is the first step toward preventing it.

What Is a Phishing Attack?

A phishing attack is a fraudulent attempt to steal data by disguising as a legitimate email, message, website, or caller.
Cybercriminals often create fake emails designed to look real—complete with logos, sender names, and official language.

The goal?
To make you click, download, or share something you shouldn’t.

How Phishing Typically Works

1. You receive a message that appears to be from a known brand, person, vendor, or bank.
2. The message creates urgency—“Your account will be blocked,” “Invoice overdue,” “Your Debit/Credit Card will be expired,” etc.
3. It includes a malicious link, attachment, or a request for information.
4. Once clicked, attackers gain access to credentials or install malware.

Case Study: Fake Invoice Email Causing Financial Loss

A mid-level employee received what looked like a routine invoice email from a known vendor.
The email was well-designed, carried the vendor’s name, and even had an invoice number.

Without verifying, the employee clicked the link and entered company credentials on a fake login page.

What happened next?

• Attackers gained access to internal systems
• Fake payment instructions were sent to the finance team
• The company lost money before they could stop the transaction

This is a classic example of how a single click can impact an entire organization.

Red Flags to Identify a Phishing Email

Look out for these common warning signs:

• Suspicious or unfamiliar sender email
• Poor grammar or formatting errors
• Unexpected attachments or invoice files
• Links that look strange or don’t match the official website
• Emails creating urgency or fear (“immediate action required”)
• Generic greetings like “Dear User”

If something “feels off,” it probably is.

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks

Strong awareness and simple habits can protect individuals and organizations.

• Verify the Sender

Always double-check the email address, not just the display name.
If unsure, contact the sender through another verified channel.

• Avoid Clicking Unknown Links

Hover over links to preview the actual URL.
If it looks suspicious, don’t click.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if attackers get your password, MFA blocks access.
It’s one of the strongest defenses against compromised credentials.

• Keep Devices & Software Updated

Updates fix security vulnerabilities that attackers often exploit.

• Train Employees Regularly

Cyber awareness training is essential for businesses—especially those handling payments or confidential data.

What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attempt

• Do not reply, click, or download anything
• Report it to your IT/security team
• Change passwords immediately
• Run a malware scan
• Notify your bank if financial information is exposed

Quick action can prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks rely on one thing: human error.
By staying vigilant, verifying details, and adopting basic cybersecurity practices like MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), you can significantly reduce your risk.

You can report cybercrimes in India at www.cybercrime.gov.in, an initiative of the Government of India. You can also call the National Cybercrime Helpline Number 1930 for immediate assistance, especially if you have lost money.

This simple awareness can save both individuals and companies from financial, reputational, and operational losses.

This is just the beginning of our Cyber-Safety Series. Follow along to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.