Educational guidance only. This article is not legal advice, an audit conclusion or an authorization to test systems.
Look at the requested action
Urgency, secrecy and unexpected requests can be warning signs. Branding or familiar names are not proof. Treat unexpected sign-in links, payment changes and file requests with caution.
Verify independently
Contact the sender through an established channel rather than replying to the message or using its contact details. Use known bookmarks or official applications for sensitive sign-in.
Report without blame
Provide a clear internal reporting route. If credentials may have been exposed, follow the organization’s incident procedure promptly. MFA adds protection but does not replace verification.