Avoid Cyber Attacks: Phishing Prevention 101
Did you know that phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals trick people? Although phishing emails look like they’re from someone you know, they’re designed to steal your information. Email security can be tricky, but the United Methodist Insurance Program is here to guide you through actionable steps you can take to protect your ministry.
What is Phishing?
Phishing occurs when someone sends you a fake email that looks real, hoping you’ll click on a link or give them your personal information. These emails might look like they’re from your bank, a church supplier, or even a staff member, but they’re from cyber criminals!
How to Spot a Phishing Email
Here are a few things to watch out for when you receive an email:
Strange Sender: Always double-check the sender’s email address. If something looks odd, like "admin@churchsupp0rt-info.net", it’s likely a fake.
Urgent Language: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency by saying things like "Warning: Suspicious activity detected! Verify your identity now to prevent account suspension.” Be suspicious of these.
Unexpected Links or Attachments: If you weren’t expecting an email or an attachment, be cautious. Never click on a link or download an attachment unless you’re sure it’s legitimate.
How to Avoid Phishing Scams
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This extra layer of security sends a code to your phone that is required to successfully log in, making it harder for someone to hack your account, even if they have your password.
Set Up Spam Filters: Most email providers have settings that allow you to filter out phishing emails automatically. Make sure your filters are turned on and set to high to reduce the occurrence of someone clicking on a malicious link or file.
Teach Your Team: Train your staff and volunteers to spot and stop phishing emails, teaching them what to look for and the proper actions to take. You can even send out practice phishing emails to help them get better at spotting scams.
Have a Plan: Mistakes happen! Make sure your church has a plan in place for what to do if someone clicks on a phishing link or gives away information. Your plan should include quickly resetting passwords and informing the right people.
Staying alert, educating your team, and implementing proper security protocols are small steps that can make a big difference in protecting your church from digital threats. Looking to enhance your ministry’s protection? The United Methodist Insurance Program is here to help. Request a free quote today! We’re committed to supporting your ministry every step of the way!
This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
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