How to Spot a Phishing Email in Under 60 Seconds

By Becky Anzalone

We’ve all seen them — the “urgent” message from a bank you’ve never used, or a suspicious link that looks almost right. Phishing emails are one of the most common (and successful) cyberattacks today, costing organizations millions every year. But the good news? You can often spot one in less than a minute once you know what to look for.

Here’s how to train your eye — and your team — to catch the red flags before it’s too late.

1. Check the Sender — Carefully

Phishing emails often come from addresses that look familiar at first glance but are slightly off — like support@rnicrosoft.com instead of support@microsoft.com. Always hover over the sender’s name or address before clicking anything. If something feels even a little strange, it probably is.

2. Look for Urgent or Threatening Language

Phishers love pressure tactics. If an email says, “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours!” or “Click now to avoid penalties!” — pause before reacting. Cybercriminals rely on emotional triggers to make you act without thinking. Slow down and verify the source first.

3. Inspect Links Before You Click

Hover over hyperlinks to see where they really lead. If the URL doesn’t match the sender’s domain, avoid it. Phishing links often mimic trusted sites but contain subtle misspellings or extra words designed to trick the eye.

4. Watch for Poor Grammar and Formatting

While phishing attempts have gotten more sophisticated, many still contain typos, broken graphics, or odd phrasing. Legitimate organizations have brand guidelines and professional communication standards — attackers usually don’t.

5. Trust (and Train) Your Instincts

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT skill — it’s a workplace essential. From administrative assistants to executives, everyone can benefit from knowing how to recognize and report suspicious messages. A culture of awareness is the best first line of defense.

At The Computer Workshop (TCW), we offer foundational courses like CyberSAFE and Certified Security Awareness C)SA1 and C)SA2 to help every employee identify real-world threats like phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. For IT professionals looking to strengthen their technical response, classes such as CompTIA Security+ or CyberSec First Responder (CFR) go deeper into prevention and remediation strategies.

Why It Matters

One click can expose an entire network — but one trained employee can prevent it. Building awareness at every level of your organization reduces risk, protects data, and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Cybersecurity starts with everyday habits, not just high-level strategies. By investing a few minutes — and the right training — you can help your team spot phishing emails before they hook your business. Learn how TCW’s cybersecurity courses can help your team stay alert, informed, and one step ahead.

800.639.3535 | Training@TCWorkshop.com

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