Cybersecurity

The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method to Stop Phishing Emails

Use a repeatable verification method to slow down, inspect, and report suspicious business email.

Part of the Cybersecurity Learning Center

A memorable review process helps employees pause before acting: scrutinize the sender, examine the request, confirm through another channel, understand the consequence, report the message, and escalate quickly.

Why it matters

What business leaders should understand

Security awareness works best when employees have a simple action they can use under pressure. The goal is not perfect detection—it is safer decisions and fast reporting.

The right response should reflect your environment, data, vendors, risk, and operational priorities. Use this guide as a practical starting point, then validate important decisions with the people responsible for your technology, cybersecurity, legal obligations, and insurance coverage.

Learn how Meta IT Pro can help with cybersecurity services.

Practical action plan

Steps your business can take

01

Slow down when a message creates urgency, secrecy, fear, or an unusual opportunity.

02

Examine the full sender address, destination link, attachment, and requested action.

03

Confirm sensitive requests through a known phone number or established workflow.

04

Report suspicious messages and disclose clicks immediately so the security team can respond.

Warning signs

Do not ignore these indicators

  • A sender asks you to ignore established payment or approval steps
  • The display name looks familiar but the address does not
  • The message requests passwords, MFA codes, remote access, or confidential files

How Meta IT Pro can help

Related services and practical next steps

Explore the services connected to this topic. These links provide more detail about scope, safeguards, support, and how to start a conversation with our team.

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