Which of the following actions helps mitigate the risk of phishing attacks?

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Prepare for the Department of Defense Cyber Awareness Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success!

Verifying the sender's email address is a crucial step in mitigating the risk of phishing attacks. Phishing attempts often involve emails that appear to come from legitimate sources but actually originate from malicious actors. By carefully checking the sender's email address, individuals can identify subtle discrepancies, such as misspellings or unusual domains that do not match the organization's official email format.

This proactive approach enables users to recognize potentially dangerous communications before engaging with them, such as clicking links or providing personal information. Establishing the authenticity of the sender helps individuals protect their sensitive information and avoid falling victim to scams designed to compromise security or steal credentials.

In contrast, clicking on unfamiliar links, providing personal information hastily, or ignoring discrepancies can all lead to increased susceptibility to phishing attacks, as they often place individuals in direct contact with malicious websites or fraudsters. Understanding how to verify the credibility of emails is an essential component of cybersecurity awareness.