How to protect yourself from Phishing scams

Phishing campaigns have become increasingly common and more sophisticated in recent years. These scams often involve impersonating trusted companies to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or login credentials. At Elitehost, we take your security seriously. This article will help you recognise phishing attempts and take steps to protect yourself.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of cybercrime where attackers send deceptive emails that appear to come from legitimate businesses or contacts. The aim is to trick recipients into disclosing personal information, such as passwords, banking details, or login credentials.

These emails are often well-crafted, using company names, logos, and familiar formatting to make them look genuine.

How Can I Identify a Phishing Email?

In the example phishing email below, the following numbered items highlight key warning signs commonly found in phishing emails:

1. Urgent subject line - Often designed to create panic or pressure. These subjects may also contain poor grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
2. Impersonation of Elitehost - While the email claims to be from us, the sender address is unrelated and our brand name may be misspelled or formatted incorrectly.
3. Unusual formatting - The layout, fonts, or tone may differ from our standard communication style. In this example, our logo is incorrectly sized and not aligned properly.
4. Unexpected payment instructions - The message may mention changes to your usual payment process, which should raise concern.
5. Suspicious links - Always hover over links before clicking. If they do not point to https://my.elitehost.co.za they are likely fraudulent.

How Can I Protect Myself from Phishing?

• Double-check the sender's email address - ensure the message is genuinely from us.
• Never click suspicious links - when in doubt, open a new browser window and go directly to our website.
• Never share personal or sensitive information - especially passwords or financial details.
• Use strong and unique passwords - and update them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) - for detailed steps, refer to our guide: How do I enable Two-Factor Authentication for the Client Area?
• If unsure, contact us directly - email us at helpdesk@elitehost.co.za or log into our Client Area to view invoices.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Suspicious Email?

If you receive an email that you believe may be a phishing attempt:

• Do not reply, click any links, or download attachments.
• Forward the email to helpdesk@elitehost.co.za so we can investigate.
• Delete the email from your inbox and trash folder.

If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team or email helpdesk@elitehost.co.za.

Updated on: 31/07/2025