phishing mail check is a common threat, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid falling victim to this dangerous attack. The key is to be vigilant and trust your instincts. If you think an email is suspicious, don’t click on any links or open attachments.
Domain Reputation Analysis Tools: Leveraging Technology for Insight
Examine the formatting of an email for inconsistent fonts, odd font sizes or excessive use of bold and italicized text. These signs can reveal a lack of polish, often an indicator that the email is not legitimate. Look for vague content, as well. Legitimate communications usually provide specific details relevant to your interactions, while phishing emails will use vague language to appeal to the broadest possible audience.
Check for grammatical errors, as well as misspelled words. Professionals and genuine companies won’t jeopardize their reputation with poorly written messages. Note the salutation – does it use a generic greeting, or is it addressed to “Dear [Name]”? If the message is requesting personal information, be particularly cautious. Check the destination URL by hovering your cursor over the link (without clicking!) to see where it is really heading. The real address will only appear when the mouse cursor is over the link; any other address is a red flag.
Never give out personal information unless you are 100% certain that the message is legitimate. Be especially wary of requests for login credentials, payment information or other sensitive data. Spear phishers can forge login pages and other legitimate-looking sites to trick victims into inputting information that can be used for financial fraud. If you receive such a request, be sure to immediately report it to your security leader.