Wie man auf eine verdächtige E-Mail in weniger als 60 Sekunden reagiert

Not all cyber threats come through hacking or malware. Some of the most common, damaging attacks begin with something deceptively simple: a suspicious-looking email. Phishing scams - emails that impersonate NHS bodies, suppliers, or colleagues - are one of the most frequent causes of cyber breaches in healthcare. These emails aim to trick staff into clicking links, downloading attachments, or sharing sensitive data. The good news? You don’t need to be an IT expert to stop them. If your team knows what to look for and how to act fast, you can prevent a small mistake becoming a major incident. Here’s how to spot, stop and report a suspicious email - in under 60 seconds. 

Wie sieht eine verdächtige E-Mail aus? 

There’s no single formula, but common signs include: 

• Unexpected messages from NHS suppliers or service providers. 

• Urgent requests to click a link or download a file. 

• Poor spelling, strange formatting or off-brand logos. 

• Email addresses that look similar but are subtly wrong. 

• Pressure to act quickly, such as “You must complete this now”. 

• Messages asking for login details or patient information. 

Some phishing emails may even appear to come from trusted sources, including NHSmail addresses that have been compromised. 

Die 60-Sekunden-Checkliste: Was tun, wenn Sie unsicher sind

1. Nichts anklicken (10 Sekunden)

If you feel uncertain about an email - even for a moment - stop. Don’t click links, download attachments, or reply. Most threats only activate if you interact with them. Simply opening an email is usually harmless, but the real danger starts when you follow its instructions. 

2. Überprüfen Sie den Absender sorgfältig (10 Sekunden) 

Hover over the sender’s name or email address. Is it spelt correctly? Does it match the name and organisation you’d expect? Look for minor changes like nhs.net.co or support@nhs-logins.uk - these are common phishing tricks. 

3. Fragen Sie sich: Habe ich das erwartet? (10 Sekunden) 

Phishing works by catching people off guard. If you weren’t expecting a password reset, invoice, or link to a survey - question it. Even if it looks legitimate, a surprise email should raise a red flag. 

4. Melden Sie es oder bitten Sie um Hilfe (20 Sekunden) 

If you’re using NHSmail, forward the email to spamreports@nhs.net. This helps protect others in the system. If not, report it to your IT lead, practice manager, or CSU support desk immediately. Don’t delete the email until they advise. Do not forward it to anyone else in the practice without checking first. 

5. Informieren Sie Ihr Team bei Bedarf (10 Sekunden) 

If the email is widespread or part of a scam campaign, make others aware - especially those who might be most at risk of clicking it. A quick team message could stop someone else from falling for the same trick. 

Häufige Beispiele in der Allgemeinpraxis 

• Fake supplier invoices (for example, printers, maintenance). 

• Messages claiming to be from NHS England or ICBs. 

• Fake Docman or EMIS login alerts. 

• Emails about “new patient referrals” or “clinical alerts” with links. 

• Posing as your practice manager or GP partner requesting urgent transfers. 

Entwickeln Sie eine Kultur des 'Denken, bevor Sie klicken' 

You don’t need formal training to create a cyber-aware team. Encourage: 

• Staff to flag anything unusual - even if it turns out to be safe. 

• Use of your shared inbox or IT contact for second opinions. 

• Adding cyber awareness tips to monthly briefings. 

• A no-blame attitude - if someone clicks, deal with it constructively. 

Hilfreiche Ressourcen 

• NHSmail phishing guidance. 

• IT vertraulich halten Kampagne. 

• Local CSU or ICB IT support desk contacts. 

Letztes Wort: 60 Sekunden jetzt könnten 6 Monate Nachwirkungen ersparen 

Responding to a suspicious email is not about panic — it’s about pause. A moment’s caution can prevent a data breach, a ransomware attack, or an ICO investigation. Make sure every staff member knows what to do. Because in primary care, where speed and trust matter, cyber safety starts with everyday vigilance.