Email Security

Understanding Phishing Emails:

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where attackers pose as legitimate entities in order to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and financial details. These fraudulent emails often appear to come from known sources, making them particularly dangerous. 

Why It Matters:

Data Security: 

Phishing attacks can lead to unauthorised access to your systems, compromising confidential information and potentially leading to significant financial loss. 

Reputation:

Falling victim to a phishing scam can damage our club’s reputation, eroding trust with our members and clients. 

Operational Disruption:

Phishing attacks can cause disruptions to our operations, leading to downtime and affecting your ability to communicate. 

How to Identify Phishing Emails:

Check the Sender's Email Address:

Verify the email address to ensure it matches the sender's official domain. Some spam email will try and impersonate legitimate domains so always be vigilant in the context of the email and what it is saying or asking of you. 

Look for Suspicious Links:

Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Be cautious if it looks unfamiliar or mismatched with the context. 

Beware of Urgent Requests:

Be sceptical of emails that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly. 

Watch for Poor Grammar and Spelling: 

Many phishing emails contain noticeable errors. 

Unexpected Attachments:

Do not open unexpected attachments from unknown or unverified sources. 

Steps to Protect Yourself:

Verify Requests:

When in doubt, verify the email's authenticity by contacting the sender through a known and trusted communication channel from you to them. 

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Enable MFA for an extra layer of security on your accounts, such as social media.  

Blind Carbon Copy (bcc):

Use the bcc function when sending emails to member groups, such as in the first instance when announcing an event etc.   

Passwords:

Don’t reuse passwords across your personal and work accounts. You are increasing the risk of all the accounts with the same password being breached. 

Report Suspicious Emails:

If you receive a suspicious email, report it to us immediately. 

Stay Informed:

Regularly update yourself on the latest phishing tactics and preventive measures. 

Next Steps:

If you haven't already done so, you should consider setting up a VPN connection.  VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network”  a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allow you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely. 

Your vigilance and proactive response to phishing threats are crucial in safeguarding all our security.  

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing efforts to keep our digital environment secure.