When it comes to cybersecurity, employees are the first line of defense. What’s one of the most impactful actions you can take? Report anything that seems suspicious.

Don’t Ignore That Email—It Could Be a Phishing Attempt

Phishing emails are one of the most common ways cyberattacks happen in organizations. These messages are designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link, sharing sensitive information, or even unknowingly installing malware.

It’s important to know how to recognizing phishing attempts —but it doesn’t stop there. Knowing how to react is just as important. If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your IT department immediately. Quick action can stop an attack before it spreads.

Many organizations have tools built right into their email platforms (like an Outlook add-on) that make reporting suspicious emails easy. Don’t hesitate to use them.

Beyond Emails: Stay Alert to All Types of Scams

While phishing emails get a lot of attention, cybercriminals use many other tactics. Watch out for:

• Smishing (phishing via SMS)

• Vishing (voice phishing or scam phone calls, someone pretending to be from a trusted source)

• Physical security threats (like someone trying to “piggyback” into a secure area)

In short: if something feels “off,” it probably is. Always trust your instincts.

When in Doubt, Speak Up

Even if you’re not 100% sure something is a threat, it’s always better to report it. IT teams would rather investigate a false alarm than deal with the fallout from an undetected attack. Staying alert and speaking up could be the action that protects not only your organization — but also other organizations you work with and community members who rely on your organization every day.

Stay vigilant. Stay safe. And always report suspicious activity.