What Happens After a Phishing Click? (And What You Should Do)

2025-07-20

Someone on your team clicked a phishing email. Now what?

Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes — and what to do next to limit damage.

🐛 Step 1: Malware or Credential Theft Begins

Phishing emails usually contain:

  • A link to a fake login page (to steal passwords)
  • A malicious attachment (that installs malware or ransomware)

🚨 Step 2: The Attacker Gains Access

If a password is entered or malware runs, the attacker may:

  • Log in to cloud apps
  • View or download files
  • Install further payloads
  • Attempt internal phishing from the compromised account

🔍 Step 3: You Discover It (or the Attacker Slips)

Signs of a phishing click:

  • Unusual login location notifications
  • Colleagues receiving suspicious emails from you
  • Files disappearing or being encrypted

✅ Immediate Response Checklist

  1. Disconnect the device from the internet
  2. Change passwords for any accounts accessed on the device
  3. Notify your manager or IT/security contact
  4. Document the event and any steps taken
  5. Check backups and start forensic analysis if needed

💡 Tips for Prevention Next Time

  • Don’t punish the user — train them
  • Encourage early reporting over silence
  • Use email security tools with phishing protection
  • Enable MFA on all major tools

“It’s not about blame. It’s about response time.”

🕒 Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
🔐 Aligned With: GDPR Article 39.1(b), ISO27001 Clause 7.2.2