Stay Cyber Safe: Tips for Avoiding Phishing Attempts & Getting Hacked at Work

In today’s workplace, technology helps us collaborate faster, smarter, and more efficiently. But with those benefits comes risk; cybercrime is on the rise, and phishing remains one of the most common ways employees and businesses fall victim to costly attacks.

According to a recent report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), phishing remains the top-reported cybercrime, costing U.S. organizations billions each year. And it’s not just large corporations being targeted; small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly vulnerable, too.

Whether you’re in finance, technology, sales, or administration, every professional plays a role in protecting company data. Below are a few practical tips to help keep you, your team, and your organization safe from phishing attempts and cyberattacks.

1. Pause Before You Click

Phishing emails are designed to look convincing, often mimicking real companies, managers, or clients. Before clicking on a link or opening an attachment, check the sender’s email address carefully and hover over links to see where they actually lead.

2. Spot the Red Flags

Common signs of a phishing attempt include:

• Urgent requests for passwords, wire transfers, or gift cards
• Poor grammar or spelling mistakes
• Generic greetings like “Dear User” instead of your name
• Email addresses that don’t quite match the organization

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

3. Protect Your Credentials

Never share your login information over email. Instead, use secure company portals, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and strong, unique passwords. A password manager can also help reduce risk.

4. Keep Software Updated

Hackers often exploit outdated systems. Regular updates to operating systems, browsers, and antivirus software help close those vulnerabilities before they’re targeted.

5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you receive a suspicious email, don’t delete it right away. Report it to your IT team so they can alert others and block similar attempts. Quick action can prevent a small issue from becoming a larger breach.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across every department, even if your company has a dedicated cybersecurity team. A single click on a phishing email can put company finances, client relationships, and sensitive data at risk.

By staying alert and following best practices, you can play an active role in keeping your workplace safe.