Stop Phishing Emails with the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method
Understanding Phishing Emails and Cybersecurity Threats
Phishing emails are one of the most common and dangerous cyber threats businesses face today. Cybercriminals use these emails to steal sensitive information, compromise accounts, and infiltrate organizations. In response, it is critical that businesses take proactive steps to identify and stop phishing attempts before they lead to bigger security breaches.
To help your business fight back, we suggest using the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method—a simple, systematic approach that empowers your team to identify phishing emails and prevent potential threats from taking hold.
What is the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method?
The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method is a five-step strategy designed to help employees identify phishing attempts and take quick action to mitigate risks. By following these steps, your business can stay protected from phishing emails and other cyber threats.
S – Scrutinize the Sender
Phishing emails often come from senders who impersonate trusted sources or well-known companies.
• Always verify the sender’s email address. Look for unusual characters, spelling mistakes, or slight variations in the domain name (e.g., "am@micros0ft.com" instead of "am@microsoft.com").
• If you receive an unexpected email from someone you know, contact them directly via another method to verify it before responding.
E – Examine the Email Content
Phishing emails are designed to create a sense of urgency or trick recipients into acting quickly.
• Be cautious if the email uses vague greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
• Watch for urgent or threatening language such as “Immediate action required” or “Your account will be locked.”
• Check for spelling errors, poor grammar, or formatting issues—these are major red flags.
C – Check the Links Before Clicking
Phishing emails often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your credentials.
• Hover over the links (without clicking) to see where they really lead.
• Be wary of shortened URLs (like bit.ly or tinyurl) as they can obscure the actual destination.
• If you are unsure, type the website address directly into your browser instead of clicking the link.
U – Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if your password is compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of protection to secure your accounts.
• Set up MFA for all critical business and personal accounts.
• Opt for app-based authentication (such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS-based codes, which are more vulnerable to interception.
R – Report Suspicious Emails
Do not ignore phishing emails—reporting them is a crucial step in preventing further attacks.
• Use your email provider’s built-in “Report Phishing” function if available.
• Forward any phishing emails to your IT team so they can investigate further.
• Encourage employees to report suspicious emails to the team rather than deleting them.
E – Educate Yourself and Your Team
Cybersecurity is a team effort, and regular training can help your business stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
• Offer regular phishing awareness training for your team.
• Conduct simulated phishing tests to prepare employees for potential attacks.
• Stay updated on the latest phishing techniques and best practices for keeping your data safe.
Protect Your Business from Phishing
Phishing attacks continue to evolve, but with the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. By teaching your employees to spot phishing attempts and implementing robust security measures, your business can better defend against these types of attacks.
If you are ready to strengthen your organization's cybersecurity, Contact Honorbound IT, 877-686-6642, today and let us keep your business S.E.C.U.R.E.!
