How Cybercriminals Trick You and How to Stay Safe
Phishing remains one of the most common and successful cyberattack methods
It preys on trust, urgency, and human nature — tricking people into giving up passwords, financial info, or access to sensitive systems.
Learn how phishing works, how to recognize it, and how to defend yourself.
What is phishing in cybersecurity?
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals impersonate trusted sources — like banks, companies, or even coworkers — to trick you into clicking malicious links, providing personal information, or downloading malware. Phishing often happens through email but can also occur through text messages, phone calls, and social media.
How can I recognize a phishing email?
Watch for these warning signs:
- Urgent messages demanding immediate action ("Your account will be closed!")
- Suspicious sender addresses (slightly misspelled domains)
- Poor spelling, grammar, or formatting
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Requests for sensitive information like passwords or banking details
- Messages that "feel off" or create pressure to act quickly
- Always verify the source before clicking.
What should I do if I clicked on a phishing link?
- Disconnect your device from Wi-Fi or networks immediately.
- Run a full antivirus and malware scan.
- Change your passwords, especially for any accounts you may have exposed.
- Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity.
- Report the incident to your IT team or cybersecurity provider if available.
- Taking quick action can limit the damage.
How can I protect myself from phishing attacks?
- Always double-check sender email addresses.
- Never click links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Keep your devices and security software updated.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Get regular cybersecurity awareness training.
- Being alert is your best defense.
What is spear phishing and how is it different from regular phishing?
Spear phishing is a highly targeted form of phishing. Instead of blasting generic messages to thousands, attackers research and tailor their emails to specific individuals or companies. These attacks are often more convincing and harder to detect — making them especially dangerous for businesses.
- Spear phishing targets individuals with personalized info, unlike generic phishing. Always verify unexpected messages.
Can I get hacked just by opening an email (without clicking links)?
Simply opening an email usually doesn't infect your device today, especially with modern email protections. However, clicking links, downloading attachments, or enabling external content (like images or macros) can trigger infections. Always be cautious with anything beyond simply viewing an email.
- Opening an email is usually safe—but avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, or enabling images unless you're sure it's trustworthy.
How do I report a suspected phishing attempt or scam email?
- If it's a work email, forward it to your IT/security team.
- Report it directly inside your email platform (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) using the "Report phishing" option.
- You can also report scams to the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint)
- Reporting helps protect others.
Are there other types of phishing (like smishing or vishing) I should watch out for?
Yes. Phishing goes beyond email:
- Smishing: Phishing attacks via SMS text messages.
- Vishing: Voice phishing attacks via phone calls, pretending to be legitimate companies.
- Social Media Phishing: Fake profiles or messages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Always be skeptical of unsolicited requests, no matter where they come from.
How Bellator Cyber Helps Protect You
Bellator Cyber provides phishing defense solutions including email filtering, employee training, advanced endpoint protection, and incident response. We help you spot threats before they cause damage.
