To determine if the email is a phishing attack, first, carefully examine the email’s details. Check the sender’s email address for slight alterations that mimic a trusted source. Look for generic greetings, urgent language, and grammatical errors, which are common in phishing emails. Inspect any links by hovering over them to see if the URL matches the legitimate website. Also, avoid clicking on attachments or links before confirming their safety.

Next, verify the request by contacting the supposed sender directly through a known and trusted communication channel, such as a phone call or a separate email initiated by you, not by replying to the suspicious email. If the email is deemed suspicious, do not respond or provide any information.

Report the potential phishing email to your IT department immediately. They can analyze the email and take appropriate measures, such as blocking the sender, updating security protocols, and alerting other employees. IT may also initiate a scan for malware and review access logs for any signs of unauthorized activity.

Educate the reporting employee and the broader team on recognizing phishing attempts and encourage regular updates on security awareness to prevent future incidents.