How to spot and stop phishing scams this Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Bowling Green, Ky. (October 7, 2025) - October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Here at Connected Nation, we value the importance of staying safe online.  Annually, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) dedicates October to educating the public about online safety. This year, we aim to share a few simple tips to protect yourself, your family, and your organization online. This is particularly crucial for new broadband users and vulnerable groups, such as senior adults.

One of the most common online threats today is phishing scams. These deceptive schemes involve criminals attempting to trick you into revealing personal information, like passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details, by masquerading as someone trustworthy. Even the most secure systems can be compromised if a user clicks on a malicious link.

Broadband has created significant opportunities for seniors and isolated adults, enabling them to make video calls with family, conduct online banking, and schedule virtual doctor visits. However, criminals recognize seniors as easy targets, often due to their limited familiarity with online scams and their trusting nature. Staying safe doesn’t require avoiding technology; it involves using it wisely and confidently.

The good news is that by adopting a few simple habits, you can identify most phishing attempts before they cause any damage. Let’s go through what you need to know.

What is phishing?

Think of phishing as an online version of a phone scam. Instead of a scammer calling your house and pretending to be from your bank, they send you an email, text, or pop-up that appears to be from a trusted company, such as Amazon, your bank, Medicare, or your internet provider. The aim is to scare, pressure, or trick you into clicking a malicious link or revealing personal information.

Red flags to watch for

Based on CISA’s advice, here are some common warning signs of a phishing attempt:

• Urgent or threatening language: Messages that say “Click now or your account will be closed” are meant to scare you into quick action before you can think.
• Odd email addresses: Scammers might use something like Amaz0n.com instead of Amazon.com. That one small difference is easy to miss. Before clicking a link, pay close attention to the full email address, making sure the name looks correct.
• Unexpected messages or attachments: If you weren’t expecting a package, be suspicious of an email claiming to be a delivery update. Even if you are expecting a message, it is always useful to call the sender to confirm it is them.
• Requests for personal information: No real company will ask you to email your password, Social Security number, or banking details. The IRS won’t email or text you for personal information.
• Misspellings and strange links: Poor grammar or unusual website addresses are big warning signs. While this used to be the most obvious sign of a phishing email, that is starting to change due to AI. If you see poor grammar, it is probably a scam, but don’t depend on that. 

It's unfortunate but necessary to approach emails, texts, and online messages with skepticism. Always verify links or files before opening, even if it requires contacting the sender. If something seems off, it probably is. Cybercriminals often push for quick actions to prevent you from trusting your instincts.

IT advice

On behalf of your IT department, I’d like to offer a few final tips. Report phishing emails to your IT team or your email/phone provider. Make use of email filters. Many providers have filters that can block phishing messages before they even reach your inbox. If a phishing email does make it to your mailbox, DELETE IT immediately.

Final thoughts

Phishing scams only succeed when we let our guard down. By slowing down, paying close attention, and recognizing these warning signs, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Share this advice with friends, family, and neighbors — because cybersecurity is stronger when we all look out for one another.

Stay safe, stay connected, and remember: when in doubt, don’t click.

About the Author: Michael Ramage is a Strategic Broadband Advisor for Connected Nation. Michael provides consultative services in support of CN’s federal BEAD and DEA grant related activities and deliverables. These include but are not limited to state and community action plan development, policy interpretation and/or creation, grants administration, community engagement as well as digital equity and inclusion (DEI) programming.