How Not to Fall for Cybercriminals’ Traps in Emails: Tips on Recognizing and Avoiding Fraudulent Letters

What is a ‘Phishing Attack’?

Phishing attacks are cybercrimes where fraudsters try to deceitfully extract confidential information such as logins and passwords, credit card numbers, personal data, etc. They are often carried out through emails, messages on social networks, or fake websites that mimic legitimate resources.

How Not to Become a Victim of Fraudulent Emails?

Phishing attacks pose a severe threat in the digital world. Their goal is to extract personal information or infect devices with malicious code. Consequently, we offer several expert-verified tips to help you detect and avoid such attacks.

Always Check the Sender

• Email Domain Analysis: Pay attention to minor differences in domain names. For example, fraudsters can change one letter in the domain, creating an illusion of legitimacy.
• Logos and Corporate Style: Check whether the official logos and corporate style are used. Often, fraudsters use low-quality images or incorrect versions of logos.

Pay Attention to the Style of Correspondence

• Unusual Language Style: Pay attention to how the letter is written. Are distinctive expressions or formatting used? Does the writing style correspond to how the person or organization usually communicates?
• Emotional Pressure: Does the letter contain calls for urgent action or create an atmosphere of immediacy? Fraudsters often use tactics of fear or urgency to prompt you to react quickly.

Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Attachments

• Link Verification: Hover over the links without clicking on them to check the URL. If the address looks suspicious or does not match the expected one, do not proceed.
• Caution with Attachments: Be cautious with attachments, especially if they are unexpected or unusual. Do not open the file if unsure of its safety. Use attachment verification services that provide additional protection.

Always remember: it’s better to check twice than become a phishing victim. Your caution and attentiveness are vital in protecting your personal information and digital security. Pay attention to the red flags, and feel free to verify the reliability of the data.

What to Do If You Discover a Suspicious Letter?

In detecting a phishing letter, it is crucial to act quickly and cautiously. Here are our tips to help if you receive a letter from fraudsters:

1. Immediately Inform the Employee Responsible for Cybersecurity

If you need clarification on the letter, it is best to entrust its verification to cybersecurity specialists. The cybersecurity division of your company has the necessary knowledge and tools to analyze and identify potential threats.

2. Do Not Open Suspicious Attachments or Links

Opening attachments or following suspicious links can infect your device with malicious software. If the letter seems fishy, it is better to refrain from acting on it.

3. Contact the Sender Through an Alternative Communication Channel to Verify the Truthfulness of the Information

If the letter came from a familiar person or organization, contact them through another channel (such as phone or email) to ensure it is genuine.

Comprehensive Solution for Business Protection

Considering the complexity and continuously increasing challenges in cybersecurity, MODUS X offers a wide range of services to protect your organization from cyber threats. Our experts are ready to provide professional consulting and support, including:

• Development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies, including information security consulting, data security strategy development, information security risk assessments, and the creation of plans to mitigate those risks.
• Cybersecurity, encompassing the protection of infrastructure, including on-premises and cloud resources, user access management, application, and data security, as well as the deployment and support of solutions such as NAC, WAF, EDR, XDR, SIEM, SOAR, UEBA, IAM & PAM, Vulnerability Management, and others.
• Cyber resilience includes ISO 27000 certification audits and preparations, penetration testing (pentest), incident response and investigation, vulnerability management, and code analysis.

At MODUS X, we understand that cybersecurity is a comprehensive approach that encompasses human resources, technology, and education. We aim to provide your organization with a full range of services to help protect your digital assets from modern cyber threats.

“Remember, cybersecurity is not just technology but also education and proper behavior. It is necessary to understand that cybercriminals are constantly developing new attack methods. Therefore, you must be aware of the latest trends in cybersecurity and regularly update your knowledge and protective tools. Education and training are key elements in the fight against cybercrime. Being aware of the risks and understanding how to respond to potential threats can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of phishing”
— Yurii Shatylo, Head of Cybersecurity at MODUS X