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Level Up Your Phishing Defense: Tools Every Techie Should Know (and Use!) 🛡️

  • GK
  • Jun 18
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 21


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Phishing attacks are everywhere, constantly getting smarter. As someone who works with computers and networks, you need to be able to spot them – and help protect your colleagues and company. This article breaks down the tools you can use to fight back against phishing emails, from simple checks to more advanced techniques. We’ll explain what each tool does and why it's valuable, even if you don’t have a cybersecurity degree!


Phishing isn't just an annoyance; it can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and serious security incidents. Understanding how these attacks work and having the tools to identify them is crucial for everyone in tech.

"If you need to verify your account details via email, congratulations, you’ve been had."

Spotting Suspicious Emails: Your First Line of Defense 👀

The first step is learning how to identify those sneaky phishing attempts. Here are some tools that can help you analyze emails more closely.

Email Header Analyzers: Peeking Under the Hood

Think of an email header like a shipping label for your message – it shows where it came from and how it traveled. These tools let you read this “label” to see if anything looks off, like a sender’s address that doesn't match who they claim to be.


Reputation Checkers: Is This Sender Trustworthy? 🧐

These tools help you determine if the sender of an email is known to be malicious.



If the sender is from your own company it could be the result of a "direct send exploit" https://www.varonis.com/blog/direct-send-exploit
Sandboxing: Safely Testing Suspicious Attachments & Links 🧪

These tools let you run suspicious files or links in an isolated environment without risking your computer.


  • Any.Run: https://any.run/

    • Watch suspicious files run in real-time – a powerful way to understand malware behavior.


  • Joe’s Sandbox: https://www.joesandbox.com/

    • A cloud-based sandbox for analyzing potentially malicious files and URLs. Provides comprehensive reports on file activity.


  • Hybrid Analysis: https://www.hybridanalysis.com/

    • Upload files and links for detailed analysis – see what they really do!

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Responding to Phishing Attacks: What To Do When You Find Something Suspicious 🚨

Finding a phishing email isn’t just about identifying it – it's also about taking action to protect others.


  • PhishTank: https://www.phishtank.com/

    • Report the phishing link! Helps shut down malicious websites.


  • DMARC Reporting: Keeping Your Email Secure (A Bit More Advanced) – Requires technical setup.

    • Verifies emails are actually coming from who they say they are, preventing impersonation.


  • Take-Down Request Services: (Search online for "phishing takedown services")

    • Help get phishing websites removed faster.


  • Sinkhole/Honeypot Systems: A More Advanced Approach (For Experts) – Typically managed by security professionals.

Training & Awareness: Making Everyone Smarter About Phishing 💪

At-a-glance comparison table for the six phishing simulation tools, a full review is coming soon.

Tool

Cost (per user/month)

Ease of Use

Best For

CanIPhish

Free for ≤10 users; $1–$3 for more

★★★★★

Microbusinesses and small SMBs starting with phishing awareness

usecure (uPhish)

~$2–$3

★★★★★

SMBs wanting phishing + security training + policy management in one

KnowBe4

~$1.70–$2.65

★★★★☆

SMBs seeking the largest template library and proven training content

Proofpoint (ThreatSim)

~$1–$1.75

★★★★☆

Businesses in regulated industries needing strong compliance reports

SoSafe

Custom (mid–high range)

★★★★★

SMBs looking for AI-driven, adaptive phishing simulations

PhriendlyPhishing

Custom (mid-range)

★★★★★

Teams wanting a fully managed “set and forget” phishing program


Tool Selection: Finding the Right Fit 🛠️

Here’s a breakdown of which tools are most useful based on your technical skill level:

  • Beginner: MXToolbox, Mailheader.net, AbuseIPDB – Easy to use and provide valuable insights.

  • Intermediate: Hybrid Analysis, Any.Run, DomainTools – For deeper analysis and understanding how phishing attacks work.

  • Advanced: DMARC Reporting, Sinkhole/Honeypot Systems (typically require specialized expertise)


Key Takeaways 🔑

  • Be skeptical: Don’t trust everything you see in an email!

  • Verify before clicking: Double-check links and sender addresses.

  • Report suspicious emails: Help protect others by reporting phishing attempts.

  • Stay informed: Keep up with the latest phishing techniques.

You Clicked It! Now What? A Guide to Recovering from a Phishing Link

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Okay, deep breaths. Clicking a phishing link isn’t ideal, but acting quickly minimizes damage. Here's what to do:


1. Recognize & Don't Panic: Did something feel off? Trust your gut. Don’t beat yourself up – it happens!


2. Immediate Actions (Do These Now)

  • Disconnect from the Internet: Unplug or disable Wi-Fi. If work device, inform IT first.

  • Don't Enter Information: Don’t use compromised credentials anywhere else.

  • Close Browser Tab/Window.


3. Report the Incident:

  • Work Device: Immediately contact your IT department – follow their instructions precisely.

  • Personal Device: Forward the email (as attachment) to your email provider's phishing reporting address (Gmail: reportphishing@google.com, Yahoo, Outlook - search online for specific links).


4. Secure Your Accounts – Password Reset!

  • Change Passwords: Start with critical accounts (email, banking). Use strong, unique passwords; consider a password manager.

  • Enable MFA: Add multi-factor authentication to important accounts using an authenticator app if possible.

  • Check Account Activity: Review recent activity logs for unauthorized logins/transactions.


5. Scan Your Device: Run a full antivirus/antimalware scan and update definitions.


6. Monitor & Be Alert: Regularly review account statements, check your credit report, and be wary of suspicious contacts.


7. Long-Term Security: Update software, educate yourself about phishing tactics.


Time is crucial.

Don’t try to fix it alone – contact IT or GeekIO if unsure.

Stay vigilant!

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