How to Tell When You've Received Phishing vs. Spam Email
Phishing and spam emails can be challenging to tell apart, but a few key differences can help you identify which is which.
Phishing Emails
- Usually include a link to a malicious site
- Typically, more formal in tone
- Can include urgent or threatening language so that the target acts quickly
- Often spoof the sender address to make it look like it's coming from a trusted source
Spam Emails
- More casual
- May have promotional content or fake contests
- Generally, have a random or unfamiliar sender address
Keep these key distinctions in mind the next time you're trying to decide whether an email is phishing or spam.
Common Ways to Identify Phishing Emails
- The sender's email address is not from a recognizable domain.
- The message contains grammatical errors or strange phrasing.
- The message asks you to click on a link or download an attachment to "verify your account" or "view important information".
- The message creates a sense of urgency, such as saying that your account will be suspended unless you take action immediately.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Spam or Phishing Email?
- Don't click on any links in the email. If you receive a spam or phishing email, you should first avoid clicking on any of the links in the email. These links can often lead to malicious websites that steal your personal information. If you hover your mouse over a link, you should be able to see the URL that it will take you to. If this URL looks suspicious, do not click on it.
- Do not reply to the email. If you receive a spam or phishing email, don’t reply. If you reply to the email, you are confirming that your email address is active, which will only cause you to receive more spam and phishing emails in the future. Not to mention that it can put you at risk for a malicious attack.
- Report the email to your IT department. If you receive a spam or phishing email, you should report it to your IT team. This way, the cybersecurity experts can investigate the email and take appropriate action.
- Delete the email from your inbox. Once you have taken the above steps, you can safely delete the email from your inbox without worrying about it returning to haunt you later.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Spam and Phishing Emails?
It is easier for email providers to detect spam, hence why most already have a spam filter that automatically sends spam emails to a separate folder and saves users from the nuisance. However, phishing emails are advanced and so nuanced that it becomes difficult to determine them.
- Keep your eyes open for signs. One of the best ways to protect yourself from spam and phishing emails is to be wary of any email that looks suspicious. If an email appears to be from a company or organization that you do not recognize, or if it contains misspellings or grammatical errors, it is likely a spam or phishing email. Additionally, if an email creates a sense of urgency or asks you to click on a link, it may be a spam or phishing email.
- Use spam filters. Some email providers offer spam filtering that can help to protect you from spam and phishing emails. These secure email service providers allow you to report suspicious emails so that they can quickly take action against the bad actor.
- Keep your software updated. One of the best ways to protect yourself from spam, phishing, and cybercrime, in general, is to keep your software updated. Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Use a secure web browser. A secure web browser is a browser that has built-in security features that can help protect you from attacks.
The Bottom Line: Phishing vs. Spam
Spam and phishing emails are a massive problem for businesses and individuals alike. It's essential to be able to distinguish between the two types of email threats so that you know how to protect yourself. In addition, it's crucial to plan what to do if you ever receive a phishing or spam email. At a minimum, ensure you have strong antivirus software installed on your computer and are using updated spam filters. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.