You can protect your business from phishing by turning on multi-factor authentication, training staff to check links before clicking, keeping software updated, and verifying any unexpected payment or login request by phone before acting. In short, there are several steps you can take to protect business from phishing emails and maintain a secure working environment.
What Exactly Is a Phishing Email?
Phishing is a form of online scam where criminals send emails or texts pretending to be trusted sources, aiming to trick you into giving away personal information, login credentials or money. Some phishing messages link to fake websites that capture your details; others carry malware, harmful software that can infect your device. Notably, it is critical for every organisation to protect business from phishing emails by staying alert to these tricks.
How Do I Train My Team to Spot Phishing?
Awareness is your first line of defence. Hold short, informal training sessions or share examples of common scams. Teach staff to hover over links before clicking, if the web address looks odd or unfamiliar, don't open it. Remind everyone that banks and HMRC never ask for passwords or personal details by email. Training is an important strategy if you wish to protect business from phishing emails successfully.
Why Does Multi-Factor Authentication Matter So Much?
MFA adds an extra step when logging in, such as a code sent to your phone. Even if a hacker gets your password, they can't access your account without that second factor. Enable it on all key accounts, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and banking apps. It's quick to set up and makes a big difference. By taking these simple actions, you can protect business from phishing emails and reduce your risk dramatically.
How Do I Keep Software and Email Filtering Up to Date?
Cyber attackers often exploit old software. Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browsers and antivirus. Modern email systems like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace include built-in spam filters, but you can go further with advanced phishing protection or endpoint security tools, or managed IT support that monitors threats proactively.
How Do I Verify a Suspicious Request Before Acting?
If an email asks for payment changes, login credentials or urgent transfers, pause. Call the person or company directly using a known phone number, and double-check the email address, small differences (like "@paypa1.com" instead of "@paypal.com") are red flags. One UK retailer lost £2,000 to a fake supplier invoice from a near-identical domain; a simple phone check or MFA on the email account would have stopped it.
What Should I Do If I Spot a Phishing Email?
Don't click or reply. Report it to your IT team or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, then delete it from your inbox and trash folder.
A phishing email is a scam message, often disguised as a bank, supplier or colleague, designed to trick you into revealing passwords, payment details or personal information, or into downloading malware.
Multi-factor authentication is the biggest single win, since it stops most account takeovers even if a password is stolen. Staff awareness training is a close second, since most attacks rely on human error rather than technical hacking.
Don't click any links or reply. Report it to your IT provider or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk (the UK's National Cyber Security Centre), then delete it from your inbox and trash folder.
Quick Recap
- Phishing accounts for over 80% of reported UK cybercrime incidents.
- Turn on MFA for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and banking apps.
- Train staff to hover over links and double-check sender email addresses for small differences.
- Verify unexpected payment or login requests by phone using a known number, not by replying to the email.
- Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Need Support? Got a question about keeping your inbox safe? Get in touch and we'll help you lock things down.