Cybersecurity
Phishing Warning Signs You Can Actually Use
A calm checklist for evaluating urgent emails, messages and login prompts.
Phishing tries to make you act before you verify. The message may imitate a bank, delivery service, colleague or family member, but the defensive routine is the same.
Pause at urgency
Unexpected deadlines, threats and requests for secrecy are reasons to slow down. Check the sender address carefully, but remember that a familiar display name is easy to fake.
Use a separate route
Do not use the link or phone number in the suspicious message. Open the official app, type the known website address yourself or call a number from a statement or trusted directory.
Protect the recovery path
Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication so one stolen credential does not unlock other accounts. Keep account recovery email addresses and phone numbers current.
The bottom line
If you entered a password, change it from a trusted device, end other sessions and report the message. Contact a financial institution promptly if money or card details were involved.