How to Recognize a Phishing Attack and Keep Your Business From Getting Hacked

Who is this for?
This article is for solopreneurs and small business owners with remote teams, digital tools, and customers in multiple locations. If you rely on email, cloud software, or digital payments to run your business, phishing is one of your biggest threats.

What is a Phishing Attack?

Phishing is when a cybercriminal pretends to be someone you trust like a bank, vendor, or even an employee to trick you into handing over sensitive information.

It usually starts with an email, text, or direct message that looks legitimate.

The goal?

• Get you to click a fake link

• Enter your login details

• Download malware

• Or send money

It’s the digital version of a con artist wearing a hard hat and orange vest trying to walk into your office building.

Why Phishing Attacks Work

Phishing attacks typically prey on urgency and trust. Messages often say things like:

• “Your account will be suspended—click here to verify”

• “We noticed suspicious activity—login to confirm”

• “Here’s the invoice you requested—download now”

They look real because attackers mimic logos, email formats, and language from trusted sources. Sometimes they even spoof the sender’s address to make it look like it's from a colleague or bank.

The scary part? These emails are getting better and harder to spot thanks to AI.

How to Spot a Phishing Attack

Here are some common red flags:

1. Spelling and Grammar Errors
   Real companies proofread. Hackers often don’t.

2. Urgent or Threatening Language
   “Act now!” “Your account will be deactivated!” Phishing emails want you to panic and click.

3. Weird Email Addresses
   Looks like it’s from PayPal… but the domain is “@paypall-info.net”? That’s a scam.

4. Links That Don’t Match
   Hover over the link (don’t click). Does it link to a website that doesn't match the name of the company? Big red flag.

5. Unexpected Attachments
   Did a “vendor” just send a .zip file you weren’t expecting? Don’t open it.

6. Requests for Passwords or Payments
   Legit companies won’t ask for this via email.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Phishing Email?

1. Don’t Click Anything
   Don’t open attachments. Don’t click links.

2. Verify the Source
   Call the sender directly if you think it might be legitimate. Never reply to the suspicious email directly.

3. Report It
   Use your email platform’s “report phishing” feature. Or forward it to your IT/security provider (if you have one).

4. Delete It

   Remove it from your inbox so you (or anyone on your team) won't accidently open and click anything later.

What Else Can You Do to Protect Your Business?

Are you sure your business is protected from cyber attackers? If you lost access to your email or bank account today, would you know what to do next?

That's why we created Security Survival Guides for small business owners.

They are simple, easy-to-follow instructions that show you exactly how to:

• Prevent cyber attacks before they happen and

• Quickly recover if you do get hacked

No jargon and no technical expertise required. Simple business security that works. Click here to get yours.