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2 minute read
Introduction
That innocent-looking email in your inbox could be a digital Trojan Horse, costing your Ottawa business thousands. Phishing attacks are more sophisticated and convincing than ever before. In fact, according to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, phishing remains one of the most reported cyber threats, with SMBs often being the primary targets. For many small and mid-sized businesses in Ottawa, one click on the wrong email can mean financial loss, reputational damage, or even a complete shutdown of operations due to ransomware.
This guide is your toolkit. We'll break down what phishing really is, how to spot red flags, and what your Ottawa team can do to defend against it.
At CapitalTek we equip Ottawa businesses with the tools, training, and support needed to stay ahead of these deceptive attacks. Is your Ottawa team prepared to spot sophisticated phishing attacks? CapitalTek offers comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training. Protect your business now.
Understanding Phishing: How Scammers Target Ottawa Businesses
What is Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing?
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Phishing: Fraudulent emails designed to steal credentials, deploy malware, or trick users into sending funds.
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Smishing: Text message-based phishing attempts.
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Vishing: Voice phishing, where attackers impersonate trusted parties over the phone.
The Goal of the Phisher
Phishing attacks typically aim to:
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Steal login credentials or sensitive data
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Install malware or ransomware
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Trick employees into financial transfers or revealing internal info
Common Phishing Themes Targeting Ottawa SMBs
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Fake invoices or payment requests
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Emails claiming to be from the CEO or management
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Alerts from banks or online platforms
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CRA impersonation and refund scams
The Psychology of Phishing
Attackers prey on emotion and urgency. Whether it's fear of account suspension or the illusion of authority, these tactics work by short-circuiting rational thinking.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Phishing Email or Text Like a Pro
Scrutinize the Sender's Email Address - Legit messages come from legitimate domains. “support@amaz0n.com” is not one of them.
Beware of Generic Greetings - “Dear Valued Customer” instead of your actual name? Be cautious.
Urgent or Threatening Language - Act now or your account will be closed! These are classic scare tactics.
Suspicious Links and Attachments - Always hover before you click. If the link destination looks odd, do not proceed.
Poor Grammar, Spelling, and Awkward Phrasing - Many phishing emails originate overseas and contain subtle language errors.
Unexpected Requests for Sensitive Info - No legitimate organization will ask you to confirm passwords or payment details via email.
Mismatched URLs - Does the link say one thing but lead somewhere else? Red flag.
The "Think Before You Click" Checklist for Your Ottawa Team
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Verify the sender independently (use a known phone number or email).
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Question urgency – Is this genuinely urgent?
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Never enter credentials through email links.
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Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources.
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When in doubt, report the email to IT or a supervisor.
Beyond Email: Recognizing Smishing and Vishing
Signs of Smishing (SMS Phishing)
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Texts with suspicious links
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“You’ve won a prize” messages
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CRA refund notifications by text
Common Vishing Tactics
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Calls claiming to be from your bank or IT support
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High-pressure tactics to gain access or trick you into “verifying” personal info
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attack in Your Ottawa Office
Don't Panic – But Act Quickly
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Disconnect from the internet if malware may have been installed
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Report the incident immediately to IT or CapitalTek
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Change passwords on affected accounts from a clean device
Building a Phishing-Resistant Culture in Your Ottawa SMB
Why Training Matters - Your employees are your frontline defense. Regular simulations and phishing drills help them identify real threats.
Encouraging a Healthy Skepticism - Create an environment where it’s okay to question an unusual message and verify requests.
How CapitalTek Helps Ottawa SMBs Defend Against Phishing
Advanced Email Security Solutions - We help filter out phishing emails before they reach your inbox.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training - We teach your team to spot scams, recognize social engineering, and respond appropriately.
Incident Response Support - If something does slip through, we’re ready to help you contain the damage fast.
Conclusion
Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous cyber threats facing Ottawa SMBs. But with vigilance, training, and the right tools, your business can stay protected.
Equip your Ottawa team with the skills to defeat phishing. Contact CapitalTek to learn about our tailored cybersecurity training and enterprise-grade email security.