How Using the SLAM Method Can Improve Phishing Detection

WELCOME TO SOLUTIONS SQUAD!

We understand that your focus is to drive business growth and stay ahead of the competition. That’s why our Expertly Managed IT services are curated to streamline your operations, help secure your business, and ensure your technology scales with your ambition. We bring a proactive approach to IT management, offering tailored solutions that keep you connected and protected. With services ranging from real-time monitoring to cutting-edge cybersecurity and disaster recovery planning, we’re here to empower your strategic decisions with our Virtual CIO and co-managed IT support. We stand by a security-first ethos, reinforced by our dedicated helpdesk, ensuring clear assistance in plain English, anytime you need it. We are your partner in building a resilient, efficient, and innovative IT infrastructure, freeing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.

Empower Your Business with Expert IT Support

Unlock efficiency and secure your digital assets with our Expertly Managed IT services—where peace of mind meets innovation.

There is a reason why phishing is usually at the top of the list for security awareness training. For the last decade or two, it has been the main delivery method for all types of attacks. Ransomware, credential theft, database breaches, and more launch via a phishing email.

Why has phishing remained such a large threat for so long? Because it continues to work. Scammers evolve their methods as technology progresses. They use AI-based tactics to make targeted phishing more efficient, for example.

If phishing didn’t continue working, then scammers would move on to another type of attack. But that hasn’t been the case. People continue to get tricked. They open malicious file attachments, click on dangerous links, and reveal passwords.

In May of 2021, phishing attacks increased by 281%. Then in June, they spiked another 284% higher.

Studies show that as soon as 6 months after training, phishing detection skills wane. Employees begin forgetting what they’ve learned, and cybersecurity suffers as a result.

Want to give employees a “hook” they can use for memory retention? Introduce the SLAM method of phishing identification.

What is the SLAM Method for Phishing Identification?

One of the mnemonic devices known to help people remember information is the use of an acronym. SLAM is an acronym for four key areas of an email message to check before trusting it.

These are:

S = Sender
L = Links
A = Attachments
M = Message text

By giving people the term “SLAM” to use, it’s quicker for them to check suspicious email. This device helps them avoid missing something important. All they need to do use the cues in the acronym.

Check the Sender

It’s important to check the sender of an email thoroughly. Often scammers will either spoof an email address or use a look-alike. People often mistake a spoofed address for the real thing.

In this phishing email below, the email address domain is “@emcom.bankofamerica.com.” The scammer is impersonating Bank of America. This is one way that scammers try to trick you, by putting the real company’s URL inside their fake one.

Check the Sender

You can see that the email is very convincing. It has likely fooled many people into divulging their personal details. People applying for a credit card provide a Social Security Number, income, and more.

Doing a quick search on the email address, quickly reveals it to be a scam. And a trap used in both email and SMS phishing attacks.

Scam Email search

It only takes a few seconds to type an email address into Google. This allows you to see if any scam warnings come up indicating a phishing email.

Hover Over Links Without Clicking

Hyperlinks are popular to use in emails. They can often get past antivirus/anti-malware filters. Those filters are looking for file attachments that contain malware. But a link to a malicious site doesn’t contain any dangerous code. Instead, it links to a site that does.

Links can be in the form of hyperlinked words, images, and buttons in an email. When on a computer, it’s important to hover over links without clicking on them to reveal the true URL. This often can immediately call out a fake email scam.

Hover over links without clicking

When looking at email on a mobile device, it can be trickier to see the URL without clicking on it. There is no mouse like there is with a PC. In this case, it’s best not to click the URL at all. Instead go to the purported site to check the validity of the message.

Never Open Unexpected or Strange File Attachments

File attachments are still widely used in phishing emails. Messages may have them attached, promising a large sale order. The recipient might see a familiar word document and open it without thinking.

It’s getting harder to know what file formats to avoid opening. Cybercriminals have become savvier about infecting all types of documents with malware. There have even been PDFs with malware embedded.

Never open strange or unexpected file attachments. Use an antivirus/anti-malware application to scan all attachments before opening.

Read the Message Carefully

We’ve gotten great at scanning through text as technology has progressed. It helps us quickly process a lot of incoming information each day. But if you rush through a phishing email, you can miss some telltale signs that it’s a fake.

Look at the phishing example posted above in the “Links” section. There is a small error in grammar in the second sentence. Did you spot it?

It says, “We confirmation that your item has shipped,” instead of “We confirm that your item has shipped.” These types of errors can be hard to spot but are a big red flag that the email is not legitimate.

Get Help Combatting Phishing Attacks

Both awareness training and security software can improve your defenses against phishing attacks. Contact us today to discuss your email security needs.


Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Don’t miss out on all the benefits – subscribe now and take your business to the next level!

  • Get exclusive access to expert insights and tips for leveraging technology to grow your business.
  • Stay up to date on the latest tech trends and advancements that can help you stay ahead of the competition.
  • Join a network of business leaders who are committed to using technology to drive success and innovation.
  • Receive personalized support and guidance from our team of IT experts.
  • Enjoy a more streamlined and secure digital experience with our insider tips and tricks.
Matrix movie still

Ultimate Guide to Encryption Methods

Encryption is a method of securing information. It converts readable data into secret code. Only the right key can decode it. This guide will help you understand different encryption methods.What is Encryption?Encryption is like a secret language. It converts regular…
Futuristic cityscape with network security holograms over buildings

Hollywood’s Trusted Network Security Partner – Solutions Squad

Hollywood’s Go-To Experts for Network Security Solutions In a connected world, businesses in Hollywood face constant cybersecurity threats that can jeopardize their operations and reputation. At Solutions Squad, we provide advanced network security solutions to protect your business from evolving…
Free software code programming vector

How is Your Cyber Hygiene? Essential Tips For 2025

Cyber hygiene is super important. It’s like brushing your teeth but for your online life. Good cyber habits help keep you safe from hackers on the internet. Let’s check some easy ways to stay safe online in 2025. What is Cyber Hygiene?Cyber…
blue ball on a wooden surface

10 Tips For a Seamless Smart Home Experience

Smart homes make life easier. But setting one up can be tricky. Here’s how to make a smooth smart home system.What is a Smart Home?A smart home uses technology to control many parts of life. This includes turning lights on…