Skip to content
News

How to Act When You Fall Victim to a Phishing Scam

Adhere to these strategies and guidelines to assist employees and businesses in minimizing the risks associated with phishing attacks, originating from fraudulent emails.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
Guidelines for Action After Falling for a Phishing Scam
Guidelines for Action After Falling for a Phishing Scam

How to Act When You Fall Victim to a Phishing Scam

In today's digital age, phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and dangerous. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to respond effectively when faced with such threats.

  1. Analyse the Content of the Phishing Email

Upon receiving a suspicious email, it's crucial to examine its content thoroughly. Look for links, attachments, and metadata that may reveal the technique used by the attacker.

  1. Monitor Accounts for Unusual Activity

Keep a close eye on your accounts for any signs of unusual activity. This includes automatic mail forwarding, email delegation, and unauthorised financial transactions.

  1. Deploy Anti-Phishing Solutions

Deploying anti-phishing solutions like BullPhish ID and Graphus can help detect and stop phishing emails before they cause harm.

  1. Empower Employees with Phishing Awareness Training

Educating employees about phishing attacks can greatly reduce their likelihood. Regular training sessions can help them recognise and avoid potential threats.

  1. Isolate Compromised Devices

If a device is compromised, isolate it from the organisation's network to prevent further compromise.

  1. Determine User Interaction

Determine whether a user or multiple users have interacted with the phishing email. This could involve downloading an attachment, visiting a malicious website, disclosing credentials, or sensitive information.

  1. Have an Incident Response Plan

Having a well-defined incident response plan can help manage a breach effectively. This plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a phishing attack.

  1. Report the Incident

Report the phishing incident to supervisors, relevant stakeholders, and the IT department as soon as possible. If the impact warrants it, also inform law enforcement authorities and regulatory bodies.

  1. Endpoint Analysis

Conduct endpoint analysis to identify any malicious software introduced on the phishing attack victim's computer or associated network.

  1. Remove Phishing Emails

Remove phishing emails from recipients' inboxes to prevent further inroads.

  1. Engage Business Continuity Strategies

In the event of a cyberattack, engage business continuity strategies to store data and files in remote locations for quick recovery.

  1. Change Passwords Immediately

If an account is compromised, change the passwords immediately to prevent further unauthorised access. Avoid password reusing, as this can allow cybercriminals to access multiple accounts if one is compromised.

  1. Act Quickly

If you have responded to a phishing email, act quickly. Report the incident, immediately disconnect affected devices from the network, and change any compromised login credentials to minimise damage.

Read also:

Related

Latest