What is a critical action to take when you suspect phishing?

Verifying the request through a trusted contact is a critical action to take when you suspect phishing. This method helps ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate inquiry or request rather than falling victim to a fraudulent scheme. Phishing attacks often involve fraudulent emails or messages that mimic genuine organizations or trusted individuals. By reaching out to a trusted contact, you can confirm whether the request is valid before taking any further action, such as providing sensitive information or clicking on links.

This approach minimizes the risk of compromise and protects your personal and organizational data. Engaging with the email source—a potentially untrustworthy party—could lead to exposing yourself to security threats, making verification an essential step.