It’s getting harder every day to determine if the link you just got via text or in email is legitimate. However, it’s essential that you know before you click if you can, indeed, trust that link. Whether you’re at work or home, knowing signs that a link shouldn’t be trusted could save your business money and its reputation. Here are some key things to look for and a few ways to protect your business from phishing scams through links.
Didn’t Request a Link, It’s Probably Not Legitimate
One of the biggest tells is when you receive a link that tells you to reset your password when you didn’t ask for it. There are a few exceptions. You may receive something that says something from a company you do business with letting you know of a breach and that you should change your password. However, it’s always best to go to the site without the use of a link and make the change password request from the URL or app login page, don’t just blindly trust that link.
Unknown Sender = Unknown Link
Never click on a link from an unknown sender whether it’s in your email, chat, or via text message. Even if it’s on a company email, if you don’t know the sender, it may be a phishing attempt. Scammers have gotten very clever and now often try to use a name or URL that’s close (for example instead of myurl, they may have rnyurl where the rn could at first glance appear as m). This is doubly true of shortened links using sites such as bit.ly – consider using a URL expander to check the link. One we trust is CheckShortURL.com.
Anything That Implies Urgency
If your boss, a client, or your bank have an urgent request, they can, and will call you. Nearly all links in emails that say something along the lines of “Urgent, account suspension imminent.” Or “Avoid Fees/Fine by Completing This Today.” If the sender instills a sense of urgency or fear, they are trying to trick you. If you receive something from the bank, local law enforcement, HR department, or government, don’t trust that link, trust your instincts and contact them directly. Chances are they want to know about attempts to impersonate them or their department.
Is Your Team Link Aware?
All too often employees, especially young and inexperienced ones, are unaware of phishing dangers in the professional world. If you haven’t educated them, it’s past time to provide your team with cyber-awareness education so they know if they can trust that link they received. Although we don’t offer courses, Toucan Technology Group can help you with your cybersecurity and provide guidance for educating your team. If you aren’t working with a cybersecurity expert to protect your business, call Toucan Technology Group today for your free assessment at (317) 376-4874 or click here and we’ll call you.
