What Is Phishing and How to Protect Your Business

You get an email from "Microsoft" saying your account will be locked in 24 hours unless you verify your password. The logo looks right. The urgency feels real. You click the link and enter your password.

Congratulations — you've just been phished.

Phishing is the number one way small businesses get hacked, accounting for over 80% of reported security incidents.

How Phishing Actually Works

Impersonation — The attacker pretends to be someone you trust
Urgency — They create time pressure
Action — They get you to click a link, download a file, or share information

How to Spot a Phishing Email

1. Check the Sender's Actual Email Address

Hover over the display name. Look for misspelled domains, random domains, or extra words.

2. Hover Over Links Before Clicking

Does the URL go where you expect?

3. Watch for Urgency and Threats

Legitimate companies rarely threaten you via email.

4. Look for Generic Greetings

"Dear Customer" instead of your name is a red flag.

Common Phishing Attacks on Small Businesses

Fake Invoice Scam — Always verify bank detail changes by phone
Business Email Compromise — Require verbal confirmation for financial requests
Microsoft/Google Account Alert — Go directly to the website, never click email links
Shipping Notification — Track packages through official websites

How to Protect Your Business

Enable MFA on everything
Use a password manager
When in doubt, go direct — open a new browser tab
Train your team — share examples, establish verification procedures
Create a "no shame" reporting culture

What to Do If You Fall for a Phishing Attack

Change your password immediately
Enable MFA if it wasn't already on
Check for unauthorized activity
Scan your computer for malware
Alert your team and clients if data may have been exposed

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