10/12/2026
🎣 Cybersecurity Monday: Don't Take the Bait!
📧 Don't trust an email just because it looks legitimate.
This Monday post is a bit long, but probably some of the most practical information for anyone communicating with tech (... so everyone). Phishing emails aren't always obvious scams full of spelling mistakes and suspicious-looking links. Some are designed to look like messages from your boss, a vendor, your bank, or even Microsoft.
Imagine this: You receive an email that looks like it's from Microsoft 365 saying your account will be suspended in 30 minutes unless you verify your login. It includes a familiar-looking logo, professional wording, and a button to secure your account.
Seems legitimate, right? Not so fast! 🚩
Here are some warning signs to watch for:
📎 Unexpected attachments: Were you expecting that invoice or document? If not, verify with the sender before opening it.
⏰ Urgent requests: Messages pressuring you to act immediately are designed to make you panic and skip the usual checks.
🔐 "Verify your account" messages: Don't click a link just because an email claims there's a problem. Visit the service's official website directly instead.
💳 Gift card or payment requests: If your boss suddenly asks you to buy gift cards or a vendor changes their payment instructions, verify the request through a separate, trusted communication method.
📨 Slightly altered sender addresses: An email from accounting@ yourcompany[.]com is different from accounting@yourcornpany[.]com — notice how the second address uses an "r" and "n" to imitate an "m."
🔗 Links that don't go where they appear to go: ALWAYS HOVER over a link before clicking! On a computer, hovering over a link can reveal its actual destination. If the address looks unfamiliar, misspelled, or unrelated to the service, don't click it. On mobile, press-and-hold behavior varies, so the safest option is to navigate to the official website yourself.
🛡️ The golden rule: When an email asks you to click, pay, download, or share sensitive information, take a moment to verify it first. If something feels off, contact the supposed sender using a phone number or contact method you already trust.
A few seconds of caution can save your business hours, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
Have questions about spotting phishing emails or protecting your business? ProTech IT Solutions is here to help!