Scam of The Month: How to Handle Suspicious Emails

🔐 Security Hints & Tips

How to Handle Suspicious Emails

Phishing emails remain one of the most common ways cybercriminals breach organizations. Knowing how to recognize and respond to suspicious emails is critical to keeping your systems—and your team—safe.

Here’s what not to do, and the best steps to take:

🚫 What Not to Do

Don’t Reply
Even if the message looks like it’s from a trusted contact, replying can be dangerous. If their account is compromised, you may be responding directly to a cybercriminal.

Don’t Forward It
Forwarding suspicious emails spreads risk. If the email contains malicious links or attachments, your coworker might accidentally activate the threat.

Don’t Just Mark It as Spam
Spam filters are designed for junk mail, not cyberattacks. Marking a phishing attempt as spam may hide the message—but doesn’t alert IT or prevent further risk.

✅ What to Do Instead

Report It Immediately
Follow your organization’s protocol for reporting suspicious emails. This helps your IT team investigate and take action to protect others.

Ask If You’re Unsure
If you’re uncertain whether an email is spam, phishing, or legitimate—don’t guess. Leave it in your inbox and ask your supervisor or IT contact for guidance.

Trust Your Instincts
Strange formatting, unexpected attachments, or urgent requests? When in doubt, report it out.

Remember: One quick report can stop a breach.
Stay alert. Stay safe.

— The Rynoh Security Team