Phishing attacks succeed because they look real. One click from one employee can give attackers a foothold in your entire network, so what you do in the minutes and hours after is so, so important. This step-by-step guide on what to do if you click on a phishing link will make sure you minimize as much risk as possible.
Act Fast: What to Do if You Click on a Phishing Link
The faster your team responds, the better your chances of containing any damage.
Step 1: Don’t Ignore It or Wait to See What Happens
Hoping nothing comes of it is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes businesses make. Attackers can move very quickly once they’re inside your system. Don’t stop to wonder what to do if you click on a phishing link; every minute of delay gives them more time to steal credentials, install malware, or access data.
Step 2: Disconnect the Device From the Network
Immediately disconnect the affected device from Wi-Fi or unplug the Ethernet cable. This cuts off any active connection between the device and the attacker. It won’t undo what already happened, but it can stop things from getting worse.
Step 3: Report the Click to IT or Your Managed IT Provider Right Away
Notify your IT team or Managed Service Provider (MSP) as soon as possible. They need to assess the situation and take control. The more details you provide—what was clicked, when, and what happened next—the faster they can respond.
Step 4: Change the Affected Passwords (From a Clean Device)
If the compromised employee has access to any business accounts, change those passwords immediately. Do this from a different, unaffected device. Changing passwords on the same compromised machine could expose the new credentials to the same attacker.
Step 5: Turn On or Verify Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA means that even if an attacker has your password, they still can’t log in without a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone). If MFA isn’t already enabled on key accounts, turn it on now.
Step 6: Have IT Scan the Device for Malware
Malware is software that attackers use to spy on your activity, steal files, or take control of systems. Have your IT team run a full scan on the affected device before it reconnects to anything. Don’t skip this step, even if nothing seems wrong.
Step 7: Check Email Rules, Forwarding Settings, and Recent Account Activity
Attackers often set up hidden email forwarding rules after gaining access. These rules quietly copy outgoing emails to an outside address. Have IT check for any rules or account changes that the user didn’t make.
Step 8: Notify Anyone Who May Be Affected
If the phishing link was forwarded to others, or if shared accounts were accessed, those people need to know. A quick heads-up and walkthrough of what to do if you click on a phishing link allows them to take precautions.
Step 9: Watch for Unusual Account Activity
Keep a close eye on account logins, sent emails, and file access for the next several days. Attackers sometimes wait before making a move. Ongoing monitoring helps catch anything that slipped through.
Step 10: Document the Incident
Write down what happened, when, what actions were taken, and who was involved. Documentation helps your IT team identify patterns, supports any insurance claims, and keeps you prepared if regulators ask questions later.
What Happens if You Click a Phishing Link but Don’t Enter Anything?
Still disconnect the device, run a malware scan, and report it to IT. Clicking a phishing link can sometimes trigger a malicious download or expose your device’s information, even without entering any credentials. Treat it as a real incident until IT confirms otherwise.
What to Do if Login Credentials Were Entered
This is a higher-risk situation. Change the compromised password immediately from a clean device, enable MFA on that account, and have IT review all recent activity tied to it. Assume the credentials have been stolen and act accordingly. Don’t wait for confirmation.
How to Prevent the Next Click
The best defense against phishing is a workforce that knows how to spot it. A few key layers of protection go a long way:
- Security awareness training so employees recognize phishing attempts and report them quickly, rather than staying quiet out of embarrassment.
- Multi-factor authentication on all business accounts, so stolen passwords alone aren’t enough for attackers to get in.
- Email filtering and link protection to catch malicious emails before they reach your team’s inbox.
- A simple, written incident response plan that every employee knows, so no one is left guessing what to do if they click on a phishing link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my password after clicking a phishing link?
Yes, especially if you entered your credentials or if the link could have accessed your account. Change the password immediately from a different, unaffected device, and enable MFA on that account right away.
What do I do if I clicked on a phishing link, but I didn’t enter any information?
You should still disconnect the device, run a malware scan, and report it to IT. Some phishing links can install malware or collect device data without any input from you.
How do I know if clicking a phishing link gave hackers access?
Signs include unusual login alerts, unexpected password reset emails, strange email rules you didn’t create, or unfamiliar account activity. Your IT team can run a full investigation to confirm whether access was gained.
Should I report a phishing link to anyone?
Yes. Report it to your IT team or MSP immediately. You can also report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) at reportphishing@apwg.org, and if it impersonates a known brand, notify that company directly.
Can a single phishing click affect my whole business?
Yes. If the affected account has access to shared systems, files, or credentials, attackers can use that foothold to move laterally across your network, which compromises a lot more than just one employee’s account.
Strengthen Your Defenses With RedNight
One click on a phishing link shouldn’t put your whole business at risk, but without the right protections in place, it can. RedNight helps Southern California businesses build layered security strategies that include employee security awareness training, email filtering, network monitoring, and a clear incident response plan.
Visit our site today to learn how RedNight can help you stay protected before the next phishing attempt lands in your inbox.