Phishing attacks are on the rise worldwide, and they can lead to serious account takeovers. Attackers often pretend to be trusted sources to trick you with fake login pages sent through emails, articles, or forums.
Knowing how to spot phishing is the best way to keep your account safe. This article will help you recognize the signs and show you how to use Atera’s built-in tools to protect your account. Phishing can happen to anyone, but staying alert and using the right defenses can greatly lower your risk.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where an attacker pretends to be a trustworthy service (like Atera) to trick you into giving away your login credentials or MFA codes.
Phishing can look like:
- Emails asking you to quickly “verify” or “recover” your account.
- Fake Atera login pages that may look real.
- Forum replies or blog posts with fake “helpful” links.
- Search ads impersonating real portals that lead to fake login sites.
How to recognize a phishing attempt
If you’re ever unsure or suspicious, it’s better to be safe. Here are some key signs to watch for before you click or share any information:
- URLs that are misspelled or unusual (like atera.net instead of atera.com)
- Emails or messages with spelling errors, poor grammar, or mismatched branding
- Links in blogs or forums that claim to be from Atera but direct you to unfamiliar domains
- Unsolicited MFA or password reset prompts
Always be cautious when clicking links, especially if you didn’t request them, and double-check the sender and URL before taking any action.
6 steps to protect your Atera account
Atera makes it easy to be proactive in protecting your account. Follow these steps to reduce your risk of compromise and keep your data safe:
1. Verify URLs before logging in: Only log in via https://app.atera.com or trusted bookmarks.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If not already in use, activate MFA for your Atera account from your Admin > Security and authentication settings. This security verification step is a crucial line in the defense of your account from unwanted access. To set up MFA, see Two-factor authentication
3. Use strong, unique passwords: Don’t reuse the same login details on different sites. A trusted password manager can help you create and store secure passwords.
4. Restrict account access by IP address: Use Atera’s Access list feature (under Admin > Security and authentication) to limit login to trusted networks only. This helps block unauthorized access even if your credentials are stolen. To specify allowed IP addresses, see Access list
5. Avoid logging in through external content: Never enter your credentials using links from unofficial blogs, forums, or third-party support posts. Always go directly to the official Atera site.
6. Review account activity regularly: Consistently check your Atera audit log to spot any suspicious logins or unusual activity. To learn about the audit log, see Analyze audit logs
What to do if you suspect a phishing attack
- Don’t reply or click any links.
- Change your Atera password right away at https://app.atera.com in your account settings.
- Report the incident to your internal security or IT team.
- Report the incident to Atera support immediately at support@atera.com. We’re here to help secure your account, and you can reach us in several ways. See, Contact Customer support
- Bookmark the official Atera Help Center to always find the resources you need in case of suspicious activity or questions about your account security.
