Don't Get Hooked!
Your Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Phishing
Scroll down to begin
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where criminals send fraudulent emails that seem to come from a legitimate source. Sometimes, they even follow up with phone calls (vishing) or use AI-generated deepfake videos.
The goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like passwords, credit card numbers, or company data.
The Consequences Are Real
A single click can have devastating effects:
- For You: Identity theft, stolen passwords, and compromised personal accounts.
- For the Company: Financial loss, data breaches, reputational damage, and legal trouble.
- For our Customers: Their sensitive information could be leaked, destroying their trust in us.
Stats & Stories: The Real Impact
By the Numbers
In the first quarter of 2023 alone, the Hong Kong Police Force recorded:
1,408
phishing scams, leading to
HK$26.1 Million
in losses.
A True Story
A 65-year-old accountant lost his entire life savings.
He received a text message about expiring loyalty points and clicked a link to redeem them. He entered his credit card information on a fake website to get a pair of headphones.
Scammers stole over HK$700,000 from his account over several days. One click is all it took.
Common Phishing Characteristics
Suspicious Sender
The sender's name or email address is slightly off or doesn't match a known contact.
Urgency or Threats
Language that demands immediate action to avoid a negative consequence (e.g., "account suspension").
Generic Greetings
Uses "Dear Customer" or "Hi there," instead of your actual name.
Bad Grammar & Spelling
Legitimate companies proofread their emails. Mistakes are a major red flag.
Undisclosed Recipients
The email is sent to a long list of people, or you're BCC'd on an email to "undisclosed recipients."
Suspicious Links/Attachments
Unexpected attachments (especially .zip files) or links that reveal a strange URL when you hover over them.
Spot the Phish (1/2): IT Alert
Click on the red flags in the email below. There are 4 of them!
From: IT-Support@corporation-mail.com
Subject: Urgent: Your Account Requires Immediate Validation
Dear Valued Employee,
Our records indicate your account has unusual activity. For your security, you must validate your account immediately to avoid suspension.
Please click here to update your credentials: http://corporation-mail.security-update.com
Thank you,
The IT Department
Flags Found: 0 / 4
Spot the Phish (2/2): Fake Invoice
This one is a bit different. Find the 4 red flags in this invoice email.
From: accounts@officesupplies-global.com
Subject: Action Required: Unpaid Invoice #84321
Attachments: Invoice_Details.zip
Hi there,
Attached is your invoice for last month's order. Payment is overdue and late fees will be applied if not paid within 24 hours.
Please review the attached invoice and remit payment immediately.
Thank you,
The Accounts Team
Office Supplies Inc.
Flags Found: 0 / 4
Scenario Quiz (1/5): Combined Threat
You receive the email below. A minute later, you get a call from an "IT Help Desk" agent asking you to follow the email's instructions. **What is the best course of action?**
From: IT Help Desk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urgent Account Verification Required
Dear Customer,
We regret to inform you that there has been an issue with your account... To ensure the security of your account... we kindly request you log in and update your login credentials.
Please click on the following link to verify your account details... [Select here to update login credentials!]
Failure to verify your account within 24 hours may result in temporary suspension...
Scenario Quiz (2/5): The Tempting Offer
You receive an email with an exclusive offer that seems too good to be true. **What do you do?**
From: Dream Escapes
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Exclusive Limited-Time Offer: 80% Off Your Dream Vacation!
Dear Travel Enthusiast,
Get ready for an exclusive opportunity to fulfill your wanderlust! Our "Escape in Style" promotion brings you an incredible 80% discount on luxury travel packages...
Discover the allure of these remarkable destinations: [Link]
At Dream Escapes, your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities...
Scenario Quiz (3/5): Malware Symptoms
Your computer has been acting strangely. **Which of the following are potential signs of a malware infection?** (Select all that apply, then click Submit)
Scenario Quiz (4/5): MFA Fatigue
You're receiving an unusually high number of MFA requests you didn't initiate. **What should you do?** (Select all that apply, then click Submit)
Scenario Quiz (5/5): The Deepfake Deception
You get an email about a promotion with a video from your manager. The video looks real, but you notice slight inconsistencies. It asks you to click a link to update tax info for your "new salary". **What should you do?** (Select all that apply, then click Submit)
Quiz Complete: Key Takeaways
Phishing (Vishing & Smishing): Watch out for suspicious links, urgent requests, lack of personalization, poor grammar, and emotional manipulation. Always report, never click or reply. Hang up on suspicious callers.
Spam: Be cautious of enticing ads. The safest action is to delete the message and block the sender.
Malware: Look for slow performance, strange pop-ups, and unexpected behavior. Contact IT immediately if you suspect your device is infected.
AI-Driven Attacks: Be wary of any unsolicited communication, even if it seems to be from a familiar source. Verify all requests through official channels.
How to Report Phishing in Microsoft 365
Your vigilance is crucial. Reporting suspicious emails allows our IT team to block threats and protect everyone.
It is every staff member's duty and responsibility to report suspicious activities.
Use the "Report Message" Button in Outlook
With your Microsoft 365 E3 license, you have a powerful tool to report phishing directly within Outlook (desktop, web, or mobile):
- Select the suspicious email in your inbox.
- Look for the "Report Message" button on the Outlook ribbon (usually in the "Home" tab).
- Click it and select "Phishing" (or "Junk" if "Phishing" isn't directly available).
- Confirm your choice. The email will be sent to our IT security team for analysis and removed from your inbox.
This action directly alerts Microsoft and our security team, helping to protect the entire organization.
AI-Powered Phishing Analyzer
Still not sure? Paste the email content below to get an instant AI analysis.
Note: The AI analysis is currently available in English only.
You Are Our First Line of Defense!
Protecting our company is a team effort.
When in doubt, report it out!
Use the "Report Phishing" button or forward the email to the IT security team.