Anatomy of a Malicious Email – What to Look For

This educational PowerPoint presentation, created by EntrustedMail, is designed to raise awareness about phishing and email-based cyber threats for a general audience. In a clear, engaging, and easy-to-follow format, the presentation breaks down a real-world phishing email to expose the most common red flags—including spoofed email addresses, suspicious links, urgent language, and grammatical errors.

With a focus on visual learning, this 11-slide deck includes annotated screenshots, practical tips, and real-life examples to help viewers recognize the hidden dangers behind seemingly legitimate emails. The presentation also outlines the consequences of clicking malicious links and provides actionable steps individuals and businesses can take to protect themselves.

Whether you're an employee, a small business owner, or simply someone who uses email every day, this presentation will give you the critical tools you need to spot phishing attempts, stay secure, and understand how email security services like EntrustedMail play a vital role in digital defense.

1. ANATOMY OF A
MALICIOUS EMAIL
Visit Our Website:
www.entrustedmail.com
Learn to Identify the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

2. Why Email
Threats Matter
91% of cyberattacks begin with phishing
One click can lead to:
Identity theft
Data breaches
Ransomware
Cybercriminals are getting smarter—and sneakier
Many people believe spam filters are enough—but
phishing emails are designed to look real and trick
you, not your spam folder. That’s why awareness is
your first defense.

3. What Is a Phishing
Email?
Fake email designed to steal personal info
Often mimics a real company (banks, PayPal,
Amazon)
Tricks you into clicking, downloading, or replying
Phishing emails look normal—but
their goal is to get you to take an
action that puts your data, device, or
business at risk.

4. Sample Phishing
Email
Use numbered callouts (1-6) around parts of
the email you'll examine next
Clearly label: Sender, Subject, Body, Links,
Footer
This might look convincing at first—
but let’s break it down piece by
piece to see the danger signs hiding
in plain sight.

5. Red Flag #1 – Fake
Email Address
Address looks real, but has:
Misspellings
Extra characters
Suspicious domain (e.g., .xyz, .net instead of
.com)
Always hover to reveal the true sender
Cybercriminals rely on you being
too busy to check. Just one letter off
can make an address dangerous.

6. Red Flag #2 –
Suspicious Links
The displayed link: www.paypal.com
The actual link: www.paypall-update-login.net
Watch for:
Misspellings
Foreign domains
Shortened or redirected links
Always hover before you click. If the link feels
off—even slightly—don’t trust it.

7. Red Flag #3 –
Urgency or Fear
Language
Tries to scare or rush you:
“Your account will be suspended”
“Unusual login detected”
“Respond within 24 hours!”
Psychological trick to bypass your logic
When emotions run high, caution
drops. If it pressures you to act fast,
stop and verify.

8. Red Flag #4 –
Grammar and
Greetings
Generic greetings (Dear User, Valued Client)
Spelling mistakes or odd phrasing
Unprofessional format or layout
Professional companies don’t make grammar
mistakes. If it looks sloppy, it’s probably unsafe.

9. What Happens If
You Click?
Stolen passwords or credit card info
Your device could be infected
Attackers could gain access to your entire
network
One employee clicking a bad link can
compromise your entire company’s
systems and customer data.

10. How to Stay Safe
✅ Hover over links before clicking
✅ Verify the sender’s email address
✅ Don’t act on threats or pressure
✅ Keep software and email security tools updated
✅ Use encrypted & compliant email systems (like
EntrustedMail)
Cybersecurity is a team sport. If
you're not sure—don’t click. Report it
and verify with IT.

11. EntrustedMail – Your
Partner in Email
Security
Automatic encryption for outbound emails
Protects against spoofing and phishing
Supports HIPAA, FINRA, and other compliance
needs
At EntrustedMail, our mission is to
protect businesses like yours with
simple, secure email communication
tools. When email is encrypted and
verified—you can breathe easier.

12. Contact Us :
www.entrustedmail.com
[phone]