Phishing: How Cybercriminals Trick You and How to Stay Safe

Phishing remains the number one attack vector for cybercriminals in 2025. Over 90% of successful data breaches start with a phishing email. Understanding how these attacks work is your first line of defense.

Types of Phishing Attacks

Phishing has evolved far beyond the obvious Nigerian prince emails. Modern phishing attacks are sophisticated, targeted, and increasingly difficult to detect. Here are the main types you need to know:

Email Phishing

The most common form. Attackers send emails that appear to come from trusted sources — your bank, the IRS, Microsoft, or even a colleague. These emails typically create urgency ('Your account will be locked!') and direct you to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.

Spear Phishing

Unlike broad email phishing, spear phishing targets specific individuals. Attackers research their targets on LinkedIn, company websites, and social media to craft highly personalized messages. A spear phishing email to a tax preparer might reference a specific client or mention the IRS by name.

Smishing and Vishing

Smishing uses text messages, while vishing uses phone calls. Both exploit the same psychological triggers — urgency, authority, and fear. You might receive a text claiming to be from the IRS about an overdue tax payment, or a call from someone impersonating your IT department.

How to Protect Yourself

Never click links in unexpected emails — go directly to the website instead
Verify the sender's email address carefully (look for subtle misspellings)
Be suspicious of urgency and threats in messages
Use multi-factor authentication on all accounts
Report suspicious emails to your IT team or security provider
Keep your software and antivirus updated

If you're a business owner, investing in employee security awareness training is one of the most cost-effective security measures you can take. Bellator Cyber Guard offers customized training programs that reduce phishing click rates by up to 90%.