You received a message that appeared to come from your bank: “Your account has been locked—click here to verify.” It seemed legit, so you clicked. In a rush, you didn’t think twice.
Phishing happens fast—and it can happen to businesses of all sizes!
It’s a scam where cybercriminals pretend to be someone you trust to trick you into disclosing private information, such as passwords or account numbers. These attacks often appear as emails, texts, phone calls, or fake websites that look completely real.
If you or someone on your team falls for it, don’t panic. What you do next matters most. Whether you clicked a link, opened an attachment, or shared sensitive data, follow this checklist to act quickly, reduce the risk, and regain control.
1. Disconnect From the Network
If you suspect a device has been compromised, such as someone opening an attachment or clicking a malicious link, disconnect it from the internet or disable Wi-Fi immediately. This helps prevent malware from spreading within your network.
However, avoid turning off the device before consulting your IT team, as you may need system logs or other data for further investigation.
2. Notify Your IT Support Team
If you have in-house IT or a trusted partner (like us), call them. Now. Don’t wait to see what happens. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Our team has encountered phishing emails that appear so realistic, even tech-savvy individuals fall for them. The sooner we’re looped in, the faster we can help isolate threats, monitor systems, and minimize damage.
3. Change Affected Passwords Immediately
Did the phishing scam trick you or someone on your team into entering login credentials? Change those passwords ASAP—especially if they give access to email, financial accounts, or sensitive systems.
Additionally, consider enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) if you haven’t already done so. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect against stolen passwords.
4. Alert Other Team Members
Phishing attacks are often part of broader phishing campaigns, meaning more than one person in your company might have received the same email, link, or message.
Give your team a heads-up. Let them know what to look for, such as unusual emails with urgent language, fake invoices, or text messages asking for gift cards, and ask them to report anything suspicious.
5. Preserve Evidence
Don’t delete the phishing email or message just yet. Save it, along with any email headers, phone numbers, or fake links it included.
These details can help your IT provider trace the attack, assess the damage, and block similar phishing scams in the future. Screenshots are also helpful if you’re working with cybersecurity or legal teams.
6. Run a Full Malware Scan
Even if nothing seems off, a phishing link could have quietly installed malicious software such as spyware or ransomware. Run antivirus and anti-malware scans on the affected device—and any others connected to the network.
This step is essential for catching hidden threats early. If you’re unsure what to look for, there are several ways to tell if you have a virus on your computer, including unexpected pop-ups, slow performance, or unusual activity. Spotting these signs quickly can help you prevent the damage from spreading.
7. Report on the Incident
In some cases, it’s appropriate to report phishing attacks to external agencies. You can report phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or forward them to [email protected]
If your business handles sensitive customer data and there’s a chance it has been exposed, you may also be required to notify clients or regulatory bodies depending on local laws.
8. Educate Your Team
The best way to prevent future incidents? Keep training your people. Phishing is a form of social engineering that tricks users by using fear, urgency, or curiosity. Even experienced employees can fall for these tactics.
Setting cybersecurity goals, such as implementing regular training and awareness programs, helps build a culture of security across your business. When your team knows how to spot red flags in phishing emails, texts, or social media messages, they become your first line of defense.
Need Help After a Phishing Incident?
You don’t have to face phishing threats alone. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of an attack or want to prevent the next one, our team is here to help.
We work with small businesses in Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg, PA to strengthen their networks, protect sensitive data, and take stress out of IT. Let’s make your systems more secure so you can focus on running your business!
Sources:
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
- https://www.verizon.com/about/account-security/phishing
