Cybersafe Series: Phishing Awareness Checklist

✅ Phishing Awareness Checklist for Small Business Employees

Before clicking or responding to any email:

1. Check the sender’s email address

   • Is it spelled correctly?

   • Does it match the organization it claims to be from?

2. Look for urgent or threatening language

   • “Act now,” “Your account will be closed,” or “Immediate action required” are red flags.

3. Inspect links before clicking

   • Hover over links to see the actual URL.

   • Does it look suspicious or unfamiliar?

4. Be cautious with attachments

   • Unexpected attachments can contain malware, especially .zip, .exe, or .docm files.

5. Verify requests for sensitive information

   • No legitimate company will ask for passwords or financial information via email.

6. Watch for poor grammar or spelling errors

   • Many phishing emails originate from non-native speakers or automated tools.

7. Report suspicious emails

   • Have a straightforward process for reporting phishing attempts to your IT or management team.

🔒 At Atlas, we help businesses stay cyber-aware and prepared with resources like this. Your first line of defense is an informed team.