For decades, phishing attacks have been one of the most present threats that any business can face. You have likely already experienced some in the past, whether it was a suspicious email from a “Nigerian Prince” or a claim that you won a lottery you never participated in. But modern attacks – particularly those targeting businesses – are far more advanced. Unless you know what to look for, it is very easy to fall victim without even realising it.
So what is phishing? What are the common signs of a phishing email? And most importantly, how can you stop them before they harm your business?
Discover the most dangerous threats targeting your business in 2025
What is a Phishing Email?
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack involving the use of deceptive emails, phone calls (vishing) or SMS messages (smishing). Threat actors will attempt to impersonate a trustworthy entity, such as your boss, bank, or a third-party vendor. From there, they will try to gather information or trick you into downloading malware – usually by clicking on a link or attachment.
Despite growing awareness, phishing remains a highly effective tactic in 2025. In part, this is because of modern technologies that have vastly improved threat actors’ ability to fool their victims. One example is AI, which is enabling almost perfect imitations of an individual’s writing style, voice, and even physical appearance.
What is Spear Phishing?
Unlike traditional scams, which cast a wide net and see who responds, this technique is highly targeted and uses more sophisticated techniques. A spear phisher might trawl your social media for more in-depth information, or use AI. Businesses often face spear phishing attacks, because they are seen as higher value targets due to the sensitive data handled on a daily basis.
How to Recognise Phishing Emails
Identifying a modern scam can be challenging – but despite threat actors’ best efforts, there are usually still a few red flags that can help you tell the difference:
Common Signs of a Phishing Email
- Urgency: Threat actors rely on creating a sense of urgency. This stops victims from thinking the situation through, and encourages swift action.
- Incorrect Details: An attacker may not be able to secure the email/website address they need, or might simply not know the correct details. A slightly incorrect address is a major warning sign.
- Spelling and Grammar: Many malicious emails contain spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Unusual Requests: The sender may make odd requests, such as asking for information you’re not typically required to give out.
- Unexpected Attachments or Links: These often contain malware, or redirect to false login pages.
Phishing Email Examples
Examining a few phishing email examples can help you identify a real attempt:
- Bank Alert:
This email appears to be from your bank, asking you to verify account details – often so a transaction can take place. Upon clicking the link, you are taken to a convincing fake website designed to steal your information.
- Internal Email:
You receive an email from your “HR department” about an upcoming policy update. The sender has included an attachment, which installs malware once opened.
- IT Support:
The sender is claiming to be a member of IT support, asking for login credentials so they can more easily solve a problem you’re experiencing. They then use this information to access your accounts.
How to Prevent Phishing Attacks
You can reduce your business’ risk of falling victim to a phishing email using these strategies:
- Don’t Respond: Do not respond to the email or click on anything within it until you can confirm its legitimacy. Find another way of verifying information presented – for example, instead of clicking on a link, navigate to the website on your own.
- Educate Staff: Knowledge is your best defence against social engineering scams. Teach employees to recognise common signs of a phishing email, and how they should react. Run regular phishing simulations to identify any gaps.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection in the event that login credentials are compromised, preventing unauthorised access to accounts.
- Use Email Filters: Many email platforms (such as Microsoft Outlook) provide built-in security features such as filters. Enable these to help reduce the likelihood of scams reaching your inbox to begin with.
What to Do if Your Business Experiences a Phishing Attack
No system is foolproof. Despite your best efforts, you or an employee may still fall victim to a successful phishing attack. If that happens, follow these steps immediately:
- Isolate Affected Systems: Disconnect any compromised devices from the network to prevent lateral movement.
- Notify Support: Immediately contact your internal or external cyber security
- Investigate the Breach: Determine the size and scope of the breach. This allows you to determine next steps.
- Inform Affected Parties: Transparency helps maintain trust in your organisation. Inform any affected individuals or businesses early.
- Report the Incident: If necessary (for example, the incident falls under the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme), report the attack to the relevant authorities.
- Monitor the Situation: Watch carefully for any suspicious activity on your accounts.
Learn How to Protect Your Business From Cyber-Attacks
Cyber threats such as phishing attacks aren’t going anywhere. As time passes and new technologies emerge, they will only become harder to spot. But with vigilance, education, and the right strategy, you can recognise and stop the majority of scams before they’re able to cause significant damage.
Austin Technology is ready to help defend your business, with expert support that both prevents attacks and minimises the damage if one does occur. For more information on how to effectively protect your data, read our ultimate guide to cyber security.
