Phishing emails are one of the most common and dangerous cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. Cybercriminals use carefully crafted subject lines to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information. At INC Systems, we understand the importance of staying informed about these threats. In this blog, we’ll explore the most clicked phishing email subjects and offer tips on how to protect yourself and your organization from falling victim to these attacks.

Commonly Clicked Phishing Email Subjects

Phishing emails are often designed to look urgent or important, playing on emotions like fear, curiosity, or excitement. Here are some of the most effective phishing email subjects that have led to successful attacks:

“Your Account Has Been Suspended”

1. • Why it works: The fear of losing access to an important account prompts immediate action. Recipients often click before verifying the email’s authenticity.
   • How to spot it: Be wary of any email that demands immediate action. Check the sender’s email address for any irregularities and navigate to the official website directly instead of clicking on any links.

“Urgent: Invoice Payment Required”

1. • Why it works: Financial matters create a sense of urgency, especially for businesses. Employees may feel pressured to resolve payment issues quickly.
   • How to spot it: Verify the sender’s identity and ensure the email is from a trusted source. Always cross-check invoices with internal records before making any payments.

“Package Delivery Attempt Failed”

1. • Why it works: With the rise in online shopping, many people are concerned about missing deliveries, making this a highly effective phishing tactic.
   • How to spot it: Cross-check with your recent orders and avoid clicking on links. Instead, visit the shipping company’s website directly to track your package.

“Unusual Login Activity Detected”

1. • Why it works: Concern over unauthorized access to accounts can lead to hasty clicks. This subject line plays on the fear of being hacked.
   • How to spot it: Most legitimate companies will ask you to log in independently rather than through a provided link. Always access your accounts by typing the URL directly into your browser.

“You’ve Received a Secure Document”

1. • Why it works: The promise of a secure or confidential document often prompts immediate attention, especially in professional environments.
   • How to spot it: Verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of unsolicited documents. When in doubt, contact the sender directly to confirm legitimacy.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

Awareness of common phishing tactics is the first step toward protection, but implementing proactive measures is equally important. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your organization:

1. Regular Employee Training: Educate your team on how to recognize phishing emails and the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. Continuous training can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.
2. Use Advanced Email Filtering Solutions: Deploy email security tools that can detect and block phishing attempts before they reach your inbox. These tools can identify suspicious patterns and prevent harmful emails from ever being opened.
3. Encourage Verification: Promote a culture of double-checking any email that requests sensitive information or immediate action. A quick verification can prevent a potential breach.
4. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
5. Stay Updated on Phishing Trends: Phishing tactics are constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest threats and ensure your security practices are up-to-date to combat these new strategies.

Phishing emails remain a serious threat, but by staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your organization. At INC Systems, we are committed to providing the knowledge and tools necessary to defend against these attacks. Remember, the best defense against phishing is a combination of awareness, training, and robust security measures.

In business since 2004, INC SYSTEMS based out of Flint, Michigan is an MSP that understands how to leverage technology, implement solutions to meet the needs of our clients, and exceed their expectations. We do this by taking the time to understand the needs of a particular business or project and recommending specific solutions to reach the goals set forth.