How to Avoid Email Viruses and Phishing Scams: A Quick Guide 2025

Phishing scams continue to be a significant threat to both individuals and businesses in the UK. In fact, reports from Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, show that phishing attempts are on the rise, with cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated tactics. One recent phishing scam in the UK, known as the “Peter Pan Virus,” put thousands of computers at risk. These types of attacks are part of a broader trend where cybercriminals are continuously evolving their methods to deceive people into revealing sensitive personal and financial information.

In this guide, we will walk you through the dangers of phishing emails, how to spot them, and essential steps you can take to protect yourself from email viruses and scams.

What Are Phishing Emails and How Do They Work?

Phishing emails are fraudulent messages designed to trick you into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal identification numbers. These emails often appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), or well-known retailers. The email typically contains a link that leads you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your personal data or infect your device with malware.

In 2025, phishing scams have become even more sophisticated, with cybercriminals using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to create more convincing and targeted attacks. These AI-generated emails can mimic the tone, style, and even voice of trusted contacts, making it harder for recipients to detect them. As a result, phishing scams are becoming increasingly difficult to spot.

Top Signs You’re Dealing with a Phishing Email

1. Requests for Personal Information:
   Legitimate organisations, like banks or HMRC, will never ask for sensitive information (e.g., passwords or account numbers) via email. If an email requests this information, it’s likely a phishing attempt.
2. Suspicious Email Address:
   Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble those of trusted organisations. Always check the sender’s address carefully—fraudsters will often use slight variations to mislead you (e.g., support@yourbank.co.uk vs. support@yourbank.com).
3. Urgency or Threats:
   Phishing emails often create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. They might warn you that your account is locked or that immediate action is required. Genuine organisations will not ask you to act hastily.
4. Generic Greetings:
   Many phishing emails use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.” Legitimate organisations typically address you by your name.
5. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:
   Phishing emails often contain spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. A legitimate company will ensure their emails are professionally written.
6. Too Good to Be True Offers:
   If an email promises something that seems too good to be true, such as large sums of money, discounts, or free services, it’s probably a scam. Fraudsters use enticing offers to lure you into clicking malicious links.

How to Protect Yourself from Email Viruses and Phishing Scams

1. Enable Strong Email Filters:
   Ensure that your email provider has strong spam and phishing filters enabled to catch suspicious emails before they reach your inbox.
2. Verify the Source:
   If you receive an unexpected email that seems suspicious, do not click on any links. Instead, visit the company’s official website by typing in the address manually or contact their customer support directly.
3. Implement Email Authentication (DMARC, SPF):
   To prevent email spoofing, UK businesses should implement email authentication methods like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) and SPF (Sender Policy Framework). These help protect against fraudulent emails that appear to come from your domain.
4. Be Cautious with Attachments:
   Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources. Malware can be hidden in email attachments, and opening them can infect your device with viruses.
5. Regularly Update Your Software:
   Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and applications are up-to-date. Many phishing emails contain malware that exploits outdated software vulnerabilities.
6. Educate Yourself and Others:
   Stay aware of the latest phishing scams, and educate your friends, family, and colleagues on how to recognise and avoid them.

New Threats in 2025: AI and Cloud-Based Phishing Scams

As of 2025, phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Cybercriminals are using AI to generate highly realistic and personalised phishing emails that mimic trusted organisations or even your contacts.

Additionally, as more businesses and individuals use cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, phishing attacks are increasingly targeting these platforms. Fraudulent emails may appear to come from cloud service providers, asking for login credentials or prompting you to enable access to your cloud data.

What to Do If You Fall for a Phishing Scam

If you’ve already fallen for a phishing scam, it's important to act quickly:

• Change Your Passwords:
  Update the passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Notify Your Bank or Credit Card Provider:
  If you’ve provided financial details, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. They may be able to block any fraudulent transactions or prevent further damage.
• Run a Security Scan:
  Use trusted antivirus software to scan your device for malware or viruses. If your device is infected, remove the threats immediately.

How Tristar IT Support Can Help

Phishing attacks and email viruses are a serious threat to both personal and business security. If your company’s devices fall victim to a scam, it could lead to significant disruptions and data loss. At Tristar IT Support, we provide expert IT support services to help protect businesses in London from the growing risk of email scams.

Our team can assist with:

• Email security setup
• Malware and virus removal
• Employee training on phishing protection
• Ongoing IT support to ensure your business stays secure

If you think your systems have been compromised or you need help protecting your business from phishing attacks, contact us today. Our friendly team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Email Viruses and Phishing Scams (UK)

1. What should I do if I fall victim to a phishing scam in the UK?

Answer: If you believe you’ve fallen for a phishing scam in the UK, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They help investigate phishing incidents and work with law enforcement. Additionally, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if you provided financial information. Be sure to update your passwords and run a full security scan on your device.

2. What are some common phishing scams targeting UK businesses?

Answer: In the UK, businesses are increasingly targeted by phishing scams, particularly those involving HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs). These emails may claim to be about unpaid taxes or tax refunds, and they often ask for sensitive information. Phishing scams also target cloud services like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace by impersonating legitimate providers and tricking businesses into providing login credentials.

3. How can UK businesses protect themselves from phishing attacks?

Answer: UK businesses should take proactive steps to protect themselves from phishing attacks, including:

• Educating employees: Regular phishing awareness training for staff is essential.
• Implementing DMARC and SPF: These email authentication methods help protect against fraudulent emails.
• Using email filters: Strong spam filters can block phishing emails before they reach your inbox.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security reduces the chances of unauthorised access.

4. Can I rely on my email provider to protect me from phishing?

Answer: While many UK email providers offer built-in spam and phishing detection tools, they’re not foolproof. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and implement additional layers of protection, such as strong email security protocols, antivirus software, and regular updates. Educating yourself and your team about phishing tactics is also a key part of the defence strategy.

5. What is DMARC, and why should I use it for my business in the UK?

Answer: DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that helps prevent email spoofing. By implementing DMARC, UK businesses can protect their domain from being used by cybercriminals to send fraudulent emails, which helps to reduce the risk of phishing attacks. It’s an essential tool for ensuring your business’s email communications are secure.