What to Do If You Click on a Phishing Link

Have you ever found yourself in the weird position of thinking “I clicked on a phishing link”? But then only to immediately realize the potential danger behind it? This blog post helps you know what to do if you clicked on phishing link. It gives practical advice and steps to reduce the risks.

After clicking on a phishing link, let’s explore the essential measures to secure your information.

Clicking on a phishing link can lead to significant cybersecurity risks, including financial loss, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. Here are data-backed examples illustrating these impacts:

In the second quarter of 2023, online payment fraud resulted in losses totaling $38 billion, with projections indicating a cumulative toll of $362 billion on merchants and retailers between 2023 and 2028.

The 2017 NotPetya cyberattack caused global operational disruptions, with companies like Maersk experiencing losses estimated between $200 million and $300 million due to halted operations.

In 2017, the multinational law firm DLA Piper suffered a significant reputational hit after the NotPetya malware attack disrupted its operations, highlighting vulnerabilities in its cybersecurity defenses.

These examples underscore the severe consequences that can arise from phishing attacks, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

How Do I Know If I Clicked a Phishing Link?

Recognizing whether you've clicked on a phishing link is the first critical step in protecting yourself from threats. Phishing attacks can be sophisticated, making them not always immediately apparent.

Below are detailed steps to help you recognize a phishing attempt:

• Unexpected Requests for Personal Information: Real companies don't ask for sensitive information like passwords, social security numbers, or bank details through email. If you encounter a sudden request for such data, it's a strong indicator of a phishing scam. Take your time and always verify the authenticity of the request by contacting the company directly through official channels.
• Unwanted Downloads: Phishing links often initiate unauthorized downloads when users click on them. These downloads may contain malware designed to compromise your device. If you notice an unexpected file download, cancel it and remove it. After that, immediately run a full antivirus scan on your device to detect and remove malicious files.
• Redirects to Unfamiliar Websites: Phishing emails can lead you to suspicious websites. These websites may appear strange or have URLs that differ slightly from legitimate sites. Examples of these differences include spelling mistakes or a different domain ending. Always verify the URL and look for secure HTTPS connections before sharing any personal details.
• Search the Domain on Google: If you have to visit that website and you can’t know if it’s fake or not, then copy the main domain “test.com” (e.g., https://login.test.com/login.php/userid18a058mX) of the link and search it on the google to verify if the domain is same with the Test Company Organization’s main domain.
• Stay Alert for Phishing Signs: Constant vigilance is the key to avoiding phishing scams. Pay attention to the sender's email address, their communication skills (spelling and grammar), and any unusual formatting or requests. Be skeptical of any email that invokes a sense of urgency, fear, or pressure to act quickly.

Tips for If You Accidentally Clicked on Spam Link

If you've accidentally clicked on spam link, acting quickly to mitigate any potential damage is imperative. A clicked link can pose a threat to your entire organization.

See the detailed explanation of what you can do after clicking a link that you suspect is phishing:

Do Not Submit Any Data

Do not give personal or financial information if a website asks for it through an email or SMS link. Phishing sites can clone legitimate websites to steal your sensitive data.

Disconnect Your Device from the Internet

Disconnecting your device from the internet can stop malware from accessing and sending your data to hackers. This step is significant if you suspect that malware has been downloaded.

Scan Your Device

Use well-known antivirus software to run a full system scan on your device. This tool can help you identify and remove any malware you downloaded.

Change Your Passwords

If you believe your private information is compromised, immediately change your passwords. This is especially important for important accounts such as banking or email. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Use MFA on your accounts for an extra layer of security. This will make it more difficult for criminals to access your device.

Monitor Your Accounts

Watch for financial and personal accounts for any unusual activity. If you suspect anything, contact your bank or service provider.

Update Your Software

Ensure that your operating system and all applications are up to date. Software updates include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

Report the Phishing Attempt

Report the phishing attack to the related authorities or organizations. This will help them take action to protect others from falling victim to similar scams.

Train Yourself

Educate yourself on the latest phishing techniques and be cautious with emails, links, and attachments, especially from unknown sources. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid future scams.

Check out this YouTube video to learn what to do if you’ve clicked on phishing link and understand the details of a phishing link.

Also, if you want to see how we can protect you against phishing attacks, please watch our YouTube video below to learn more about our phishing simulator.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 3, 2024.