Help! I Clicked on a Phishing Link

Uh oh, the thing you swore would never happen to you just did. Whether you’re an IT security pro or the average internet user, clicking on a phishing link can happen to anyone. So, what happens if you, against your better judgment, accidentally clicked on a phishing link? Let’s find out.

What Is Phishing?

phishing concept closeup image of mail with hook

First things first, let’s set the stage. Phishing, in the digital realm, is a deceptive practice where cybercriminals masquerade as someone trustworthy to steal your personal information. They might impersonate your bank, another employee, or even a family member.

These shady characters use various methods to lure you in, such as fake emails, websites, or even text messages. They’re like the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, except they wear a pixelated mask.

Are There Different Types of Phishing?

Yes, and they’re getting more sophisticated all the time. A few common types include:

  • Email Phishing: The classic “You’ve won a prize!” or fake security alert email.
  • Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks that use personal info to seem more believable.
  • Smishing: Phishing via SMS or text message.
  • Vishing: Voice-based scams (think fake tech support calls).
  • Clone Phishing: A legitimate email is copied and resent with malicious links.

Will I Know If I Clicked on a Phishing Link?

Maybe, but not always.

Some phishing links lead to obvious fakes. Others redirect you to sites that look nearly identical to the real thing. If you entered any information, that data could already be in the hands of cybercriminals.

Other times, clicking a link alone can trigger a silent malware download. That’s why immediate action is critical.

What Happens if I Click on a Phishing Link?

Ah, the dreaded moment when you realize you’ve clicked on a phishing link. Your heart races, and a cold sweat breaks out on your forehead. But what’s the damage done? Well, it varies.

You might have just given away your login credentials, your credit card details, or even access to your entire digital life. Cybercriminals are no joke, and they can wreak havoc with the information you unwittingly handed over.

Worst-case scenario? Your identity gets stolen, your bank account drained, and your reputation tarnished. It’s the modern-day equivalent of falling for a Ponzi scheme—only more tech-savvy and potentially more devastating.

What Happens If I Get a Phishing Email and Delete It?

Good news: just receiving a phishing email won’t hurt you, and deleting it without clicking or downloading anything is the best move you can make.

Also:

  • Don’t reply.
  • Don’t click unsubscribe (it could be a trick).
  • Consider reporting it to your email provider or IT department.

Can You Be Fired for Clicking on a Phishing Link?

It depends on your company’s policies and culture.

Some employers understand that accidents happen, especially with increasingly sophisticated attacks. Others may view it as negligence, especially if it results in significant damage.

If you’ve clicked on a phishing link, report it immediately. Owning up right away is always better than trying to cover it up.

Is Phishing Against the Law?

Absolutely. Phishing is illegal in most countries, including the U.S., where it falls under identity theft and computer fraud laws. Offenders can face:

  • Fines
  • Prison time
  • Civil lawsuits

Still, many phishing operations are based overseas and difficult to track, which is why prevention is so important.

How Has AI Improved Phishing Tactics?

Recently, IBM engineers found that AI can create faster phishing campaigns than the IBM team. With five prompts and five minutes, AI did what took experienced engineers 16 hours. Even though the human-written scams were more successful in tricking users, AI was still extremely convincing. 

Cybercriminals now use AI to:

  • Write more believable phishing emails
  • Scrape social media for personal details
  • Automate spear phishing at scale
  • Mimic tone, grammar, and even branding to fool employees

What used to be riddled with typos and bad grammar now sounds like it came from your boss. Stay alert.

What Should I Do if I Clicked on a Phishing Link?

Now that you’ve realized your unfortunate misstep, don’t panic! There are steps you can take to minimize the damage:

  1. Disconnect: Immediately disconnect from the internet to prevent further data leakage.
  2. Change Passwords: Change passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you entered any login credentials.
  3. Run Antivirus Software: Scan your device for malware or viruses that might have been downloaded alongside the phishing link.
  4. Contact Your Financial Institutions: If you entered financial information, contact your bank or credit card company to report the incident.
  5. Report the Phishing Attempt: Report the phishing attempt to your email provider and the appropriate authorities, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps them track down and stop the criminals.
  6. Educate Yourself: Learn from your mistake. Understand how phishing works and become more vigilant in the future.

Can You Spot the Phish?

Take Our 1-Minute Phishing Preparedness Quiz

Put your skills to the test. Here are two email examples—one is a phishing attempt, and one is a legitimate email. Can you tell the difference?

Email #1
 Subject: Urgent Action Required: Payroll Discrepancy
 Body:
 “Dear Employee,
 Due to a system error, your most recent paycheck could not be processed. Please log      in to the HR portal using the link below and verify your information immediately.
 [http://gus1o.com]”

Email #2
 Subject: Annual Benefits Enrollment Opens Next Week
 Body:
 “Hi [Name],
 It’s time to enroll for your 2025 benefits! Enrollment starts Monday. Log in to your HR portal to review your options. Contact HR if you have questions.”

Answer Key

Email #1 is phishing. It uses urgency, vague sender identity, and a suspicious URL.
Email #2 is legit—no panic, personalized greeting, and a standard process reminder.

You Don’t Have to Do All the Work Yourself—Email Security Solutions That Help Defend Against Phishing

Prevention is always better than damage control, and in the world of phishing, email security solutions are your knights in shining armor. Here are a few to consider:

  1. Spam Filters: These filters automatically weed out most phishing emails, sparing you from ever seeing them.
  2. Email Authentication: Utilize email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to verify the sender’s identity.
  3. User Training: Educate your team (and yourself) about the dangers of phishing and how to spot suspicious emails.
  4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts even if they have your login credentials.

Phishing attacks are on the rise, and falling victim to one can be both embarrassing and costly. However, with the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can avoid these pitfalls and keep your digital life safe and sound.

Remember, the best defense is a good offense—in this case, proactive email security measures and a keen eye for suspicious links.

We’re Sure You’d Rather Be Fishing Than Dealing with a Phishing Disaster

At Common Angle, we understand that the last thing you want is to be caught up in a phishing nightmare. So, why not leave the cyber-guarding to us while you enjoy some actual fishing (or your favorite off-duty hobby)?

Our top-notch email security solutions are here to keep your digital waters clear of phishing threats, so you can focus on reeling in the good times. Don’t let a phishing disaster ruin your day; let us be your trusted cybersecurity companion. Contact us today to lock down your email.