Could Your Team Spot a Modern Phishing Attack?

Posted 16th October 2026

Phishing emails used to be easier to spot. Poor spelling, suspicious links and emails from unfamiliar senders often gave the game away.

Things have changed.

Today's phishing attacks can look convincing, using familiar names, company branding and realistic messages to trick employees into clicking malicious links, sharing sensitive information or transferring money.

According to the UK Government's Cybersecurity Breaches Survey 2025/2026, 38% of UK businesses reported experiencing a phishing attack in the previous 12 months, making it the most common type of cyber security breach or attack identified in the survey.

With attacks becoming harder to recognise, would your team know what to look for?

What Does a Modern Phishing Attack Look Like?

Phishing is when cyber criminals impersonate trusted people or organisations to steal information or gain access to business systems.

Common examples include:

• Fake Microsoft 365 alerts asking employees to verify their login details.
• Supplier invoice scams requesting payments or changes to bank details.
• CEO fraud where someone impersonates a senior manager to request an urgent transfer.
• Fake document-sharing emails containing links to fraudulent login pages.

Artificial intelligence is also making it easier for attackers to create convincing messages without the spelling mistakes and awkward wording people once relied on to spot scams.

Five Warning Signs to Look Out For

Even a professional-looking email can be malicious. Encourage your team to look out for:

• Unexpected urgency: Messages pressuring you to act immediately.
• Suspicious sender addresses: Emails that look familiar but come from an unusual address.
• Unusual links: Websites with unfamiliar or slightly misspelled domain names.
• Unexpected attachments: Files you were not expecting, particularly from unknown senders.
• Requests for money or sensitive information: Always verify unusual requests through a separate, trusted channel.

If something feels unusual, take a moment to check before clicking or responding.

What Should You Do If You Spot a Phishing Email?

Make sure everyone knows how to report suspicious messages to your IT support provider or designated security contact.

If someone clicks a suspicious link or shares their login details, they should report it immediately. A quick response can help limit the damage.

Regular staff training is important, but it should be supported by technical security measures, including:

• Multi-factor authentication
• Email security filtering
• Up-to-date security software
• Appropriate access controls
• Regular phishing awareness training

No single measure will stop every attack, but combining these safeguards can significantly reduce your risk.

Is Your Business Protected?

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even experienced employees can be caught out. The key is to make cybersecurity part of everyday working life, with clear reporting procedures, regular training and the right technical protection.At LP Networks, we help businesses strengthen their IT security, protect their employees and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Want to make your business harder to target?

Get in touch with LP Networks to discuss your cyber security and find out how we can help protect your business, your people and your data.