Don't Take the Bait: How to Spot and Avoid Phishing Emails

Ettiene Pretorius
Apr 8
3 min read

In today's connected world, your inbox can be a gateway — not just to productivity, but to danger. Phishing emails remain one of the most common and successful methods cybercriminals use to steal personal and business information.

At ITPrototype, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to protect what matters. In this post, we’ll break down what phishing is, how to spot it, and what to do if one lands in your inbox.

🎯 What is a Phishing Email?

Phishing emails are deceptive messages that pretend to come from trusted sources — like banks, service providers, or even colleagues — with the aim of tricking you into revealing sensitive information, clicking on malicious links, or downloading infected files.

Cybercriminals use phishing for:

Stealing login credentials
Gaining access to bank accounts
Installing malware or ransomware
Impersonating companies to launch further attacks

🕵️‍♂️ How to Identify a Phishing Email

Spotting a phishing email can be easy — if you know what to look for. Here are the biggest red flags:

1. Strange or Misspelled Email Addresses

Look closely. That email from "supp0rt@yourbnk.com" isn’t your bank. Attackers often use slightly altered domains to mimic real companies.

2. Generic Greetings

“Dear User” or “Valued Customer” is a major red flag. Legitimate businesses usually address you by name.

3. Urgency or Threats

“Your account will be closed!” — attackers try to panic you into reacting fast. Take a moment to verify before responding.

4. Suspicious Links

Hover over links without clicking. If it leads somewhere strange or unfamiliar — don’t go there. You can also use online link scanners if you're unsure.

5. Attachments You Didn’t Ask For

PDFs, Word Docs, or ZIP files can be loaded with malware. If you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it.

6. Bad Grammar and Spelling

Most legit companies double-check their communication. Frequent errors can signal something’s off.

🔒 What NOT To Do

Even a single mistake can lead to serious data loss. Here's what you should never do:

Never share personal information via email.
Never click links or download files from unknown sources.
Never “log in” through a link in a suspicious email — go directly to the official website.
Never assume your antivirus will catch everything — human awareness is your first defense.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

To stay secure, build a solid email defense routine:

✅ Verify Before You TrustAlways double-check suspicious emails with the actual organization. Call them or visit their website directly.

✅ Keep Software Up to DateOutdated systems are vulnerable. Keep your antivirus and OS patched regularly.

✅ Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)Even if your password is compromised, 2FA adds another protective layer.

✅ Train Your TeamIf you're running a business, ensure your staff knows how to spot phishing. A single misclick could cost a fortune.

✅ Work With ProfessionalsPartner with trusted IT experts (like us 😉) to audit your systems and close any security gaps.

📢 Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats with ITPrototype

At ITPrototype, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture — from basic protections to advanced threat detection.

If you're ever unsure about a suspicious email or want to implement stronger defenses, we're just a call or message away.