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Email remains the most common vector for cyberattacks. Phishing attempts, malware-laden attachments, and business email compromise all arrive through your inbox. Despite years of awareness campaigns, email-based attacks continue to succeed because they exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Understanding the basics of email security helps you protect yourself, your data, and your organization from these persistent threats.

The sophistication of email attacks has increased dramatically. Gone are the days when phishing emails were obviously fake, filled with typos and implausible scenarios. Modern attacks use researched information about their targets, convincing impersonation, and psychological manipulation to deceive even careful users. According to CISA's phishing guidance, email attacks remain among the most successful methods criminals use to gain access to systems and data.

Understanding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks attempt to deceive you into taking an action that benefits the attacker. This might be clicking a link that installs malware, entering credentials on a fake login page, or providing sensitive information directly. The common element is deception: making something malicious appear legitimate.

Standard phishing casts a wide net. Attackers send the same deceptive email to thousands of recipients, hoping a small percentage will fall for it. These emails often impersonate well-known brands like banks, shipping companies, or technology providers. The volume ensures some recipients will have accounts with the impersonated company and might believe the message is legitimate.

Spear phishing targets specific individuals or organizations. Attackers research their targets, learning names, job titles, business relationships, and current projects. This information makes phishing emails highly convincing. An email appearing to come from your boss about a project you are working on is far more believable than a generic message.

Business email compromise takes spear phishing further. Attackers either compromise actual business email accounts or create very convincing impersonations. They use this access to request wire transfers, change payment details, or steal sensitive information. These attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses.

How to Identify Phishing Emails

Step 1: Check the Sender Address Carefully

The display name in an email can say anything. What matters is the actual email address. Hover over or click the sender name to reveal the real address. Legitimate emails from your bank come from the bank's domain. Emails from "support@paypal-secure-login.com" are not from PayPal.

Step 2: Examine Links Before Clicking

Hover your cursor over any link before clicking to see where it actually leads. Phishing emails often use links that look legitimate in the email text but lead somewhere entirely different. Watch for misspelled domains, extra characters, and links that do not match the supposed sender.

Step 3: Question Urgent Requests

Phishing emails often create urgency. Your account will be suspended. You must act immediately. There is a problem with your payment. This urgency is designed to make you act before thinking. Real businesses rarely require immediate action through email.

Step 4: Verify Through Other Channels

If an email claims to be from your bank, employer, or any organization you have a relationship with, do not use links or phone numbers in the email. Instead, go directly to the organization's website or call a number you know is correct. This simple verification defeats most phishing attempts.

Step 5: Notice Generic Greetings

Legitimate businesses usually know your name. Emails addressing you as "Dear Customer," "Dear User," or similar generic greetings may be mass phishing attempts. This is not foolproof since targeted attacks will use your name, but generic greetings are a warning sign.

Email Attachment Safety

Email attachments remain a primary method for delivering malware. While modern email systems scan for known threats, new malware can slip through before detection signatures exist. Careful handling of attachments reduces risk.

Question unexpected attachments. If you were not expecting a document from someone, be skeptical even if the sender appears legitimate. Attackers often compromise email accounts and send malicious attachments to the victim's contacts, exploiting established trust.

Be especially wary of certain file types. Executable files, scripts, and Microsoft Office documents with macros are common malware delivery mechanisms. While these file types have legitimate uses, receiving them unexpectedly warrants extra caution.

Verify with the sender before opening questionable attachments. A quick phone call or separate email asking if they actually sent the file can prevent infection. If the supposed sender is confused or denies sending anything, you have identified a threat.

Password and Account Security

Strong email security extends beyond recognizing threats to properly protecting your accounts.

Use strong, unique passwords for each account. If your email password is used elsewhere and that site is breached, your email becomes vulnerable. Password managers make unique passwords practical to manage.

Enable two-factor authentication on email accounts. Even if attackers obtain your password through phishing or a data breach, two-factor authentication prevents access without the second factor. Most email providers offer this option.

Review connected applications periodically. Third-party applications may have permission to access your email. Review these permissions regularly and revoke access for applications you no longer use or do not recognize.

Responding to Suspected Compromise

If you believe you have fallen for a phishing attack or your email may be compromised, quick action limits damage.

Change your password immediately from a device you know is secure. If you suspect malware, use a different device for this step.

Enable or verify two-factor authentication. If it was not already enabled, add it now. If it was enabled, verify it is still active and no unauthorized devices have been added.

Review recent account activity. Most email providers show recent login locations and times. Look for access you do not recognize.

If you clicked a malicious link or opened a suspicious attachment, run antimalware scans on your computer. Our virus removal service can help if you suspect infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an email is phishing?

Check the sender's actual email address rather than just the display name. Hover over links before clicking to see where they really lead. Be skeptical of urgent requests and generic greetings. Verify through other channels if uncertain.

What should I do if I clicked a phishing link?

Disconnect from the internet immediately. Run antimalware scans on your device. Change passwords for sensitive accounts from a different, secure device. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Consider professional help if you entered credentials or downloaded files.

Can emails themselves contain viruses?

Simply viewing an email in modern email clients is generally safe. However, opening attachments or clicking links can install malware or lead to credential theft. The danger is in interacting with malicious content, not just receiving it.

Is it safe to unsubscribe from spam?

For legitimate marketing emails, unsubscribe links are safe and effective. For obvious spam or phishing, clicking unsubscribe may confirm your email address is active, potentially leading to more spam. When in doubt, mark as spam instead of unsubscribing.

For professional security services in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Jupiter, and Boynton Beach, Fix My PC Store helps protect against email threats. We offer virus removal, computer repair, and security services.