This holiday, know your red flags
Between 75% and 91% of targeted cyberattacks started with an email.1 But with a keen eye, you can help keep your business healthy, happy and secure.
We created an email to show 6 major red flags you should watch for
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A weird sender name
Take a closer look at who sent you the email. Is a zero being used in place of the letter “o”? Are letters missing? Are names spelled wrong? Does the sender name match the email domain name? For example: An email claiming to be from a business might actually be sent from a private email address.
An odd greeting
If an email sounds odd when read out loud, take a pause. Do important emails really start with “Dear very valued client”? Major red flag.
Fake urgency
An urgent deadline can create needless worry to get someone to respond.
Poor grammar
No, really, read the email out loud.
Attachments
The holidays are the time for giving. But not every gift is given with good intentions. Avoid downloading or opening unsolicited attachments.
Unusual data collection
Phishing schemes can be disguised as an urgent need for data, information or actions. Think twice before clicking on links that want you to provide information.
Despite your diligence, you may still experience a cyber incident
Hey—it happens. But by responding with a strong containment and recovery plan, you can get back to work.
Contain
Double-check your accounts: If you think you’ve been attacked, dig in and search for signs of more trouble.
Stop the spread: Unplug and disconnect any affected devices from your internet. Then change and update passwords for all accounts.
Document everything: Keep a record of exactly what happened and log any error messages and/or unusual activity.
Recover
Close the gaps: Try to determine how the attacker got in. Use antivirus software to scan and remove any malware, and make sure your operating system is up to date.
Get professional help: No, not for the stress—but because a cybersecurity expert may be able to help assess the damage and fix vulnerabilities.
Restore what you need most: Try to recover lost or damaged data from recent backups. But make sure whatever is recovered is clean and malware-free.
More holiday prep ideas
1 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report