What is a phishing email?
A phishing email is an email that is disguised to look like a legitimate company or a brand. They are used to trick users into handing over sensitive information such as usernames, email addresses, passwords, bank details etc.
How do I spot one?
Weird sender's name:
If the email says it's from a company you know but looks weird (like "mircosoft" instead of "microsoft"), be careful.
Odd links:
Some emails want you to click on links. Before clicking, hover over them. If they look strange, don't click!
Bad English:
Look out for silly mistakes in the email text. Big companies usually check their emails well.
Scary warnings:
Emails that try to scare you, saying things like "Your account will be closed!" are often fake.
Unexpected files:
If there's a file attached you weren't expecting, best not to open it.
They ask for info:
Real companies don't ask for your personal info through email. If they do, it might be fake.
Too good to be true:
If an email says you won money but you never played a game, it's probably fake.
Hello, who?:
Emails that start with "Dear User" or "Dear Customer" might be fake, especially if you know the company has your name.
What should I do?
If you're note sure, ASK SOMEONE you trust or contact the company directly, but don't use the contact details from the suspicious email.
Do NOT click on strange links or download files you weren't expecting.
REPORT IT to your manager or someone in the IT Team, especially if you did click something.
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