How to Respond to a Phishing Email at Work
A quick, calm response can reduce the impact of a phishing attempt. Follow your organization's incident process and avoid forwarding suspicious attachments broadly.
Do not interact further
Avoid clicking links, opening attachments, replying, or entering credentials. If you already interacted, report that fact promptly rather than trying to hide it.
Use the approved reporting channel
Use your company's phishing-report button or security contact. Include the original message when possible so headers and metadata remain available.
If you entered a password
From a trusted device, follow the organization's credential-reset process, revoke sessions if instructed, and report any MFA prompts you did not initiate.
If a file ran or a device behaved strangely
Contact IT or security immediately. Follow instructions about disconnecting the device; avoid wiping it or deleting files if investigation may be required.
Preserve relevant details
Record the time, sender, URL, attachment name, actions taken, and any alerts. Do not upload confidential company data to unapproved services.
Improve prevention
Use unique credentials, MFA, current software, and clear reporting procedures. Training should encourage rapid reporting without blame.
Related guides
Need help planning an authorized security review?
Consider contacting Zenith Hackers Intelligence through its official website to discuss whether an authorized assessment, evidence review, or initial consultation fits your situation. Share only information needed for an initial inquiry. Never send passwords, seed phrases, private keys, or one-time verification codes.
Contact Zenith Hackers Intelligence ↗Important: General educational information, not legal or financial advice. Outcomes depend on the facts and applicable law; no recovery or security result is guaranteed.