10/07/2026
Remember when suspicious emails were easier to spot? Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, strange wording, or messages that just didn't look right?
Well, those days are changing, and so are the tricks scammers use.
Imagine you're having a busy day at work. You're going through your emails when a message comes in from your boss:
"Hey, I need you to take care of this payment today. We've updated the vendor's banking information. Please use the new details."
Nothing looks unusual.
The email is professionally written. The name looks familiar. The request sounds like something your boss would normally ask.
So, you process the payment and move on with your day.
But what if your boss never sent that email?
That's the reality businesses are facing in today's AI-powered world.
Cybercriminals can now use artificial intelligence to create convincing emails, personalize messages, and imitate the communication styles of people we know and trust.
And here's what makes it tricky: You don't have to be careless to fall for a well-crafted phishing email.
So, how do you protect yourself?
1. Don't just check the name. Check the sender.
An email might display your manager's name or a familiar company, but that doesn't guarantee it's legitimate.
Take a closer look at the actual email address. Even then, remember that legitimate accounts can sometimes be compromised.
2. Focus on what the email is asking you to do.
Someone asking you to urgently transfer money, change banking details, share confidential information, or approve an unexpected login?
That's your cue to slow down.
Even if the message appears to come from someone you trust, sensitive or unusual requests deserve additional verification.
3. A quick phone call can make all the difference.
Before making a payment or sharing sensitive information, confirm the request directly with the person using a phone number you already know.
Don't use the contact information provided in the suspicious email.
That simple phone call could prevent a very expensive mistake.
Here's the lesson for Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
In the past, we were taught to look for spelling mistakes and suspicious-looking emails.
Those warning signs still matter, but they're no longer enough.
In the AI era, the question isn't just, "Does this email look real?"
It's, "Have I confirmed that this request is real?"
In this video, Marcus from Computer Plus Solutions shares three practical ways to recognize phishing attempts and protect yourself and your business.
At Computer Plus Solutions, we believe cybersecurity begins with awareness. The more we understand these threats, the better prepared we are to respond.
Stay alert. Think before you click. Verify before you act.
Here's a question for you: Have you ever received an email that looked so legitimate you almost responded before realizing something wasn't right?
Share your experience in the comments. It might help someone else avoid making the same mistake.
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