As people who are well-known on the Internet, sharing your contact information, such as your email address, is one way to bring in clients who want to work with you. However, it's not uncommon to see scams sent via email that harm the target. These Internet scams are called email phishing that can steal passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information.

Therefore, as Internet users, especially well-known people, it is important to increase awareness on the Internet to avoid phishing emails. This article will explain what email phishing is, how to avoid and protect against it, and how to report email phishing.

Email phishing is a type of phishing cyber-attack, which is a popular cybercrime. People who send phishing emails aim to steal important data and earn money. This is commonly done by sending thousands of emails containing scam messages.

The attackers send phishing emails that resemble messages from certain agencies or organisations. They imitate the content of the email, from the organisation's name, logo, phrases, typography, to its signature. Thus, making some people fooled.

In addition, phishing emails contain messages that encourage the target to act hastily, such as giving an expiry period to put pressure on the target to do what the sender asks.

Phishing emails are a type of cybercrime that can harm anyone. You need to be more aware, especially when using email. Here are some ways to avoid phishing emails:

1. Don't Panic

When receiving a phishing email, such as a message that says you're getting a prize, make sure not to get excited. Pay attention to the link provided whether it leads to the right site or not. The best option if you get an email saying you're getting a prize is to never click on it, especially from a product you've never used.

2. Don't Click Embedded Links

Some phishing emails include links that must be clicked. It's best if you get an email from a sender you aren't familiar with, don't click the link because it can cause you to lose your account, important data, and even malware on your device.

3. Regularly Scan for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware can be hidden in downloaded files. By performing regular virus scans, you can avoid any malware that may be roaming on your device. There are various antivirus applications that can be downloaded, but make sure to use a credible and safe application.

4. Don't Give Personal Information

In any activity, you are not advised to give personal information to other people, even to family. Personal data can be used by irresponsible people who can harm you.

5. Check Emails Thoroughly

Phishing emails often imitate emails from certain organisations or companies by asking for password changes or sharing other important information. So, every time an email comes in, make sure you check carefully to find out that the email is not genuine, it's a fake.

6. Look at the Email Domain

When you receive an email, check the sender's email address. You can check social media or the official website of the organisation or company that sent the email and check whether the email address listed is the same as the one that sent you the email or not.

Apart from taking precautions as explained above, you can use several tools to help protect against email phishing. Here are the tool recommendations:

1. Avanan

The first recommendation is Avanan which presents an anti-phishing software. Avanan will connect to cloud-hosted emails with AI technology and analyse historical emails. It will look at the message, format, and relationship between the sender and recipient of the email to establish a level of trust.

2. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a phishing detector designed by Microsoft. It monitors threats and is integrated with Office 365. Microsoft Defender provides user training, phishing detection and prevention, forensic and root-cause analysis, and threat hunting.

3. BrandShield

BrandShield could be the next option for an anti-phishing tool to choose from. BrandShield focuses on protecting corporate brands and phishing attacks. It offers several features that can identify phishing attacks via email, social media, or others.

4. Barracuda Sentinel

Barracuda Sentinel uses email provider APIs to protect users from phishing attacks. Barracuda Sentinel has also compromised business emails. It also provides brand protection and domain fraud prevention through DMARC analysis and reporting.

5. RSA Fraud Action

The next anti-phishing tool is RSA Fraud Action which is managed to offer capabilities such as site closure, forensics and response to phishing attacks. This anti-phishing service comes from one of the big names in security so it can be trusted to use.

6. Cofense PDR

Cofense PDR (Phishing Detection and Response) uses AI technology and professional security tools to identify and mitigate phishing attacks. With Cofense PDR, you can maximise your level of protection from email phishing attacks.

7. Mimecast

Mimecast offers tools that can protect you from phishing attacks. The app provides the ability to detect dangerous links and attachments and delete and secure messages using advanced sandboxing methods.

Some email service providers, such as Gmail, will instantly identify that an incoming email is phishing. They will give a warning or move it straight to the Spam folder. However, if users do not find any sign that the email is phishing, they can report it manually. Here are the steps for Gmail users:

Once you report the email as phishing, the email service provider will receive a copy of the email and attachments. They will then analyse the email to help protect other users from harm.

Email phishing is a form of cybercrime that can harm the target. They will steal the target's important data, such as files, email passwords, and credit card data. Generally, phishing emails will mimic certain organisations or companies that make the target believe. However, there are several tips you can take to prevent this, and you can also use tools to help protect against email phishing. If you receive a phishing email, don't forget to report it to protect other users.

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