Cyber Security

How to Identify a Phishing Email & Stay Safe Online

21 June 2022

Phishing is a type of cyber security attack that often steals user data by sending fraudulent messages from a reliable source, and it’s commonly done through emails. Understanding these attacks is crucial to knowing how to identify phishing emails effectively.

As phishing attacks are increasing, recognising fake emails from verified ones is not as easy as it seems, as hackers now have an array of sophisticated methods to target employees.

Due to this, an employee may not be able to fully comprehend the trustworthiness of a site and simply put in their personal information without thinking of the consequences.

Fortunately, there are several ways to detect a phishing email and identify certain red flags. In this blog, you’ll learn how to identify phishing emails immediately, allowing you to protect your data better.

Let’s get started.

1. Unfamiliar Tone and Grammatical Errors

The easiest way to identify a phishing email is to look at the spelling and use of grammar.

Most professional businesses will spell check and proofread their emails before sending them. Essentially, emails from professionals usually tend to be free of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Therefore, any obvious mistakes should make you cautious about the intention behind the email.

Additionally, if the tone of voice doesn’t sound right, especially if it’s an email from someone familiar, this might be a scam email. For instance, if a colleague’s tone of voice is too comfortable or a good friend’s language is too formal, it might not really be them. This should straight away make you question how authentic the email is, and then you can look for other signs to confirm whether it’s a phishing email or not.

2. Threats or a Sense of Urgency

Phishing emails usually threaten the recipient by creating a sense of urgency and demanding immediate action. So, everyone should always treat these types of messages with suspicion.

The primary goal of sending these emails is the hope that you will read the email in haste, without looking at the body of it. This then leads to the person not examining the content thoroughly, causing the blatant signs of a phishing campaign to go unnoticed.

3. Generic Domain Emails

While looking at an email which claims to be from a well-known company, it’s best to check their email address and their domain name. Ensure that the address doesn’t feature any alterations, like additional numbers or letters.

If it does, it’s likely a phishing email, and you should avoid following any content or instructions in the email from then onwards. However, this method should only apply to big companies, as some smaller ones do use third-party email providers to send their emails.

4. Suspicious Attachments

If an email from an unfamiliar source comes with an attachment, it’s best to open it with caution or avoid clicking it altogether until you’ve verified the source. These attachments may lead to employees downloading malware on their device, which can compromise your data security.

Additionally, if the file has an extension type that is commonly related to virus downloads, like .zip or .exe, or features an unfamiliar extension, we recommend scanning the file with an anti-virus software before opening it.

5. Request for Payment Information and Other Personal Details

A phishing email usually features a fake landing page, which the employee is directed to by clicking on a link in the email. These pages might also feature a login box or show an unresolved payment issue.

If you’re not expecting an email, you shouldn’t add any personal information. You should also visit the website by typing in the URL instead of clicking on the link, as this can help you avoid entering any personal information on a fake website or giving your payment information to a cyber criminal.

6. Unusual Requests

If an email requests the receiver to do something that isn’t normal, then this can be an indication that the email is malicious. This includes asking permission to download third-party applications or software.

On top of this, some emails might also have little to no information, in the hopes that someone will simply download their attachments. It’s best to steer clear from these types of emails unless you’re able to confirm the legitimacy of the email.

Contact Redpalm to Keep Yourself Safe from Phishing Attacks

Now you know how to identify a phishing email, you may be better equipped to spot these threats. However, for comprehensive and ongoing protection against such cyber attacks, you can count on Redpalm.

Redpalm is a managed service provider (MSP) and a trusted cybersecurity partner. We equip your business with advanced IT infrastructure to swiftly identify and neutralise any security risks.

Our wide range of services includes IT audits and health checks, technology procurement, vulnerability assessments, endpoint management, and more.

To learn more about our managed IT services, click here or contact us to schedule an appointment today.

 

Latest From The Blogs

Cyber Security

Is Your Business Ready for the End of Windows 10 Support?

In this blog, we’ll explain what the end of Windows 10 support means for businesses, covering the risks, technology challenges, and how your business can stay secure with the right support.

Read More
it audit and cyber insurance, 2 technicians finding cyber security gaps in encrypted data on a computer
Cyber Security

Can IT Health Checks Lower Your Cyber Insurance Premium?

In this blog, we’ll explain how IT audits reduce cyber insurance premiums and provide you with a cyber insurance readiness checklist. You’ll also find practical steps to prepare your IT systems and documentation for renewal with support from Redpalm.

Read More
jaguar land rover cyberattack, hackers planning in front of multiple screens with the world map on them
Cyber Security

4 Lessons SMEs Can Learn from the Recent Jaguar Land Rover Cyberattack

In August 2025, Jaguar Land Rover suffered a cyberattack that halted production and disrupted supply chains. The incident highlights the operational and financial risks of IT outages, the importance of a clear incident response, and the vulnerability of all businesses. SMEs can learn key lessons to strengthen continuity and cyber security.

Read More
Cyber Security, Hybrid IT

How to Provide Endpoint Security for Remote Teams Without Slowing Productivity

Securing remote workforces requires balancing protection and productivity. Core measures include endpoint detection and response, patching, VPNs, monitoring, recovery, and staff training to reduce risks without slowing workflows. Modern endpoint management tools and zero-trust approaches help small and large businesses stay resilient, compliant, and efficient.

Read More
chrome security update, cropped shot of a person using a computer
Cyber Security

How Chrome’s Latest Security Update Reflects Cyber Threat Evolution

Google Chrome faced 5 zero-day vulnerabilities in 2025, patched quickly to counter active exploitation. These incidents highlight how rapidly cyber threats evolve and why timely updates are critical. Businesses must adopt structured patch management and monitoring strategies to reduce risk, maintain continuity, and strengthen resilience.

Read More
outgrowing internal it team, IT professional around computer screens listening to an employee query in the office
Managed IT Services

How to Recognise When Your Business Has Outgrown Its Internal IT Team

In this blog, we’ll explain clear signs you’re outgrowing your internal IT team and why it might be a good time to outsource your IT infrastructure and operations to a trusted provider.

Read More
ai in it support outsourcing, cyber security professionals developing an AI software
General, Managed IT Services

The Rise of AI in Outsourced IT Support – What UK Firms Need to Know

In IT support outsourcing, AI is helping UK firms reduce downtime, cut costs, and scale services without compromising quality. Automation tools handle routine queries while machine learning enhances system monitoring and ticketing efficiency. Adoption concerns are addressed through human oversight and reliable design. Redpalm delivers AI-enhanced MSP support tailored to business needs.

Read More
prepare for zero day attacks, person in front of multiple big screens involving global network code for phishing, ransomware, and cyber terrorism search
Cyber Security

How B2B Firms Can Prepare for Zero-Day Attacks in 2025

As a business leader or IT manager, you probably know that technology is a double-edged sword. Although it drives efficiency,

Read More
software licensing compliance, IT technicians in a server room analysing data with a laptop and a tablet
Business, General

How to Stay Audit-Ready For Software Licensing Compliance

Ensuring software licensing compliance is crucial for maintaining business continuity and avoiding legal issues. However, software licensing UK regulations can be complex and change frequently, making it challenging to keep everything in order.

Read More
small business it needs, cyber security professional using multiple tech gadgets with graphic data
Business, Cyber Security

Small Business IT Needs That Impact Business Continuity

Running a small business successfully involves managing many moving parts, like staff, customers, deadlines, finances, and day-to-day operations. Amidst all this, you may not always find the room to take care of your IT needs.

Read More