How to Recognize AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Phishing attacks have been around for decades, but with the advent of AI, cybercriminals now have powerful tools at their disposal to craft convincing and personalized phishing emails. Let’s explore practical steps to identify and thwart phishing attempts, even when they’re leveraging AI-generated content.

1. Trust Your Gut (and Your Suspicion Algorithm)

Human Intuition: Our innate sense of suspicion often serves us well. If an email feels off—whether due to strange wording, unexpected attachments, or an urgent tone—trust your instincts. Pause before clicking any links or downloading attachments.
AI-Powered Suspicion: AI algorithms can also assist. Many email providers now use machine learning to flag potentially malicious messages. Pay attention to warnings—they might just save you from a phishing trap.

2. Analyze the Sender Details

Check the Email Address: Hover over the sender’s name or email address to reveal the actual address. Look for misspellings, odd domain names, or slight variations (e.g., “support@micros0ft.com” instead of “support@microsoft.com”).
AI Twist: AI can generate realistic-looking sender names and domains. Be vigilant even if everything seems legitimate.

3. Inspect URLs Carefully

Hover, Don’t Click: Hover over hyperlinks to see where they lead. Legitimate companies won’t mind you double-checking. If the URL looks suspicious or redirects to an unexpected site, steer clear.
AI’s Role: AI-generated URLs can mimic real ones. Be cautious, especially if the link seems too generic or too personalized.

4. Beware of Urgency and Fear Tactics

Fear and FOMO: Phishers often create urgency (e.g., “Your account will be suspended!”) or prey on fear (e.g., “Your data has been compromised!”). Slow down and think critically.
AI’s Influence: AI can analyze your online behaviour to craft personalized urgency. Don’t let panic override your judgment.

5. Examine Email Content

Grammar and Spelling: Poor grammar and spelling are red flags. AI-generated content might still have subtle errors, but it’s getting better.
Contextual Oddities: Does the email reference something unrelated to your usual interactions with the sender? Be cautious.
Attachments: Never open attachments unless you’re expecting them. AI can create convincing fake invoices, resumes, or shipping notifications.

6. Check for HTTPS

Secure Connections: Legitimate websites use HTTPS. If an email asks you to log in or provide sensitive information, ensure the website starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon.
AI’s Sneaky Move: Phishers can create fake HTTPS sites. Always verify the domain.

7. Educate Yourself Continuously

Stay Informed: Cyber threats evolve, and so should your knowledge. Read up on new phishing techniques and AI-driven attacks.
AI Defense: AI isn’t just the enemy; it’s also our ally. Researchers are developing AI tools to detect phishing patterns more effectively.

How MSP Corp can Help

Our Guardian Shield Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution has 24/7 monitoring, alerting, and analysis of potential threats across your endpoints, networks, and cloud services. This continuous vigilance ensures that any suspicious activity is detected and addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of a successful email compromise attack.

One of the standout features of Guardian Shield MDR is its Suspicious Email Analysis Service. This service allows businesses to upload suspicious emails for immediate analysis of their content, metadata, and attachments. By identifying and neutralizing potential threats before they can cause harm, SEAS acts as a crucial line of defense against Business Email Compromise.

To learn more about Guardian Shield or to book a free demo, contact us at cybersecurity@mspcorp.ca.