Phishing is a common threat in today’s digital world—something most of us have encountered at some point. A convincing scam message sent online can lead to sensitive information like email credentials or banking details ending up in the wrong hands. In this article, we’ll share our top tips on how to recognize phishing attempts and strengthen your defenses against them.

Phishing is one of the most widespread cybersecurity threats on the internet. In a phishing attack, a criminal attempts to obtain personal information by sending messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. These details may then be used for criminal purposes such as identity theft, fraud, or even extortion. With stolen login credentials, an attacker can access the victim’s accounts—potentially resulting in direct financial loss.

There are many phishing techniques. Attackers may impersonate a bank, government authority, or courier service, for example. A phishing message might appear to be a notification from a well-known company, asking you to log in via a link. In reality, the link leads to a fake website. If the user unknowingly enters their credentials, the information is passed directly to the criminal. These scams often work by exploiting common human vulnerabilities – such as curiosity, stress, or urgency.

How to recognize a phishing message

While phishing messages are becoming increasingly sophisticated, most can still be spotted with a critical eye. Here are four tips to help you identify a scam:

1. Ask yourself whether there’s a valid reason for the message

Consider why you’re receiving the message. For example, you might get a notification about a package being held at customs. If you’re not expecting a delivery, the message is likely a scam.

2. Examine the sender’s email address

The sender’s name might appear legitimate, but the actual email address can reveal otherwise. In most email platforms, you can view the full address by clicking on the sender’s name. Be cautious, though – some phishing emails use addresses that look nearly identical to real ones. In some cases, criminals may even have hijacked a real account from a legitimate organization. If in doubt, don’t reply or use any contact information provided in the message.

3. Review the message content and language

Check whether the subject line makes sense. Scammers often add “RE:” or “FWD” to make it seem like part of an existing thread. Read the body of the email carefully. Poor grammar, foreign words, and unusual punctuation can all be signs of phishing.

4. Verify the message using an independent source

If something feels off but the message doesn’t clearly look like a scam, check its legitimacy using a trusted source. For instance, if a message appears to come from a well-known company, don’t click on any links – instead, go to their official website by typing the address directly or using a search engine. If you find information there that supports the message, it’s more likely to be legitimate. Companies often post phishing warnings on their websites as well. You can also contact their official customer service to confirm.

Don’t hesitate to ask someone you trust for a second opinion. A fresh perspective can help you assess whether a message is genuine.

What to do if you suspect a phishing email

Simply opening a phishing email can put you at risk. If the subject line seems suspicious, the safest option is to move the message straight to your spam or junk folder without opening it. Never click on suspicious links or open compressed attachments.

If you realize you’ve fallen victim to a phishing scam, acting quickly can help minimize the damage. Stay calm and take thoughtful action. First, block any potentially compromised payment cards and contact your bank immediately using official channels. Always retrieve contact information directly from the bank’s website – not from the email itself.

Change any passwords that may have been exposed. Be aware, though, that scammers sometimes pretend your account has been compromised and include links urging you to change your password – clicking these can further compromise your security. If you do change your password, make sure to do so safely, outside of the email.

How to strengthen your cybersecurity

You can reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing with a few simple but effective practices:

  • Never reuse the same password across multiple services
  • Create strong, unique passwords that are hard to guess
  • Use a password manager to securely store your credentials
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for attackers to access your accounts.

Need help creating a strong password? Check out our tips in this blog post.

For more information on phishing and how to stay safe online, visit the website of the Finnish Cybersecurity Centre.