Recognising the signs of phishing attacks is essential, but preventing them requires more than awareness alone. To truly safeguard your data, you must combine knowledge with effective anti-phishing measures that deter cybercriminals and keep your information secure.
Education remains one of the most powerful defences against phishing and other cybersecurity threats. In a recent article, we explored key tips to help users identify phishing scams. Understanding the warning signs is critical—but it is only the first step. Users also need to take proactive action to prevent attacks and protect their systems.
Below, we outline 10 practical ways to defend yourself and your devices against phishing attempts and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cybercriminals.
Fortifying Your Cyber Defences: 10 Essential Tips to Prevent and Protect Against Phishing Attacks
1. Don’t Panic
Many phishing emails rely on threats, fear, or urgency to pressure users into acting quickly. This tactic exploits human behaviour, making it more likely that someone will click a malicious link without thinking. If you receive an alarming message, remain calm. A clear head helps you make informed decisions and avoid phishing traps.
2. Enter Sensitive Information Only on Secure Websites
Phishing attacks often attempt to trick users into sharing personal information via email or fake login pages. To stay safe, provide sensitive data only on secure websites with a clear privacy policy and valid HTTPS certification.
3. Familiarise Yourself with a Website’s Privacy Policy
HTTPS alone does not guarantee trustworthiness. Some websites sell user data to third parties, which may increase your exposure to phishing attempts. Always review a website’s privacy policy before sharing personal information.
4. Hover Over Suspicious URLs Before Clicking
Cybercriminals often disguise malicious URLs to appear legitimate. Hovering over a link shows its real destination. If it differs from the displayed text—or looks suspicious—avoid clicking it.
5. Exercise Caution with Shortened Links
Shortened URLs hide their true destination, making them a popular tool for phishing attacks. Because reputable organisations rarely use shortened links in official communications, treat them with caution and verify legitimacy before clicking.
6. Install an Anti-Virus and Anti-Phishing Software Solution
Some phishing attacks deploy malware or keyloggers to steal user credentials. Installing reliable anti-virus and anti-phishing software can detect and block these threats. Ensure it is regularly updated to stay protected against emerging risks.
7. Install Vendor Updates Immediately
Exploit kits target vulnerabilities in outdated software to deploy malware, including ransomware. Keeping your system updated with the latest patches significantly reduces your exposure to these attacks.
8. Enable Content Only on Documents from Trusted Sources
Phishers frequently send malicious attachments that prompt users to “enable content,” triggering malware downloads. Only enable content on documents from trusted senders, and verify with the source if you are uncertain.
9. Contact the Sender
If an email from a familiar organisation or person appears suspicious, contact them directly via a known, legitimate method. This simple step can prevent credential theft or malware infections.
10. If in Doubt, Delete the Email
When you cannot verify a sender or message, the safest option is to delete the email. Avoid taking risks that could compromise your computer or personal data.
Strengthen Your Defences and Prevent Phishing Attacks with MetaCompliance
By applying the strategies above, you are better equipped to recognise, avoid, and defend against the wide range of phishing attacks circulating today.
However, phishing threats evolve continually, with cybercriminals developing increasingly sophisticated techniques. To stay protected, individuals and organisations should commit to ongoing cybersecurity awareness, continuous training, and the use of reputable anti-phishing tools. Combining education with technology remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen long-term phishing protection.
With a strong focus on helping organisations prevent phishing attacks, our Human Risk Management Platform brings together a powerful range of capabilities to strengthen your defences.
- Automated Security Awareness – Engage employees with targeted training that reinforces safe behaviours and reduces susceptibility to phishing threats.
- Advanced Phishing Simulations – Test, challenge, and educate users with realistic simulations designed to highlight vulnerabilities and improve readiness.
- Risk Intelligence & Analytics – Gain actionable insights into user behaviour and risk areas to better understand how to prevent phishing attacks across your organisation.
- Compliance Management – Streamline policy engagement and regulatory compliance to support a strong and resilient security culture.
To discover how our platform and tools can help you build a more secure workforce and proactively prevent phishing attacks, contact us to book a demo.
How to Prevent Phishing Attacks? Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common sign of a phishing email?
Unexpected requests for personal information, urgent language, and suspicious links are among the most common phishing red flags.
Are phishing attacks only delivered by email?
No. Phishing can occur via SMS (smishing), phone calls (vishing), social media, and fake websites.
Can hovering over a link always reveal its true destination?
It works for most standard links, but shortened URLs and obfuscated domains may still hide malicious destinations.
What should I do if I accidentally click a phishing link?
Disconnect from the internet, run an anti-virus scan, change your passwords, and report the incident immediately.