Stay Alert: Your First Line of Defense Against Email Threats
Posted On: February 7, 2026
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and email remains one of the most common ways criminals attempt to access county systems and steal sensitive information. Every employee plays a critical role in protecting Volusia County's data and computing resources.
Recognizing the Red Flags
“Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or providing confidential information,” said Information Technology Director John Bailey. “These emails often appear legitimate, using official-looking logos and references to familiar services like banking, package deliveries, or even internal county communications.”
Watch for these warning signs:
- Unusual grammar or spelling errors
- Unexpected requests for passwords, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive data
- Sender addresses that don't quite match legitimate sources
- Urgent messages pressuring you to act immediately
- Links or attachments you weren't expecting
What to Do When You Spot Something Suspicious
If you receive an email that raises concerns, do not click on any links or download any attachments. Even if you're just curious whether it's legitimate, clicking can compromise county systems and put sensitive data at risk.
Instead, take these simple steps:
- Click the Phish Alert Button located in the top right corner of your Microsoft Outlook ribbon.
- Alternatively, forward the suspicious email to phishalert@volusia.org.
- IT staff will immediately inspect the email to determine if it's dangerous.
Your report helps protect not just your workstation, but the entire County network. When you alert IT to potential threats, they can investigate and take action to prevent other employees from falling victim to the same scam.
Why It Matters
Ransomware attacks and data breaches can cost millions of dollars and compromise critical county services. In some cases, malicious software can lock employees out of systems, destroy important records, or expose residents' personal information.
The County maintains robust anti-virus and anti-spam systems, but no technological solution is foolproof. Your vigilance serves as an essential layer of protection.
Remember: When in Doubt, Report It
“It's always better to report a suspicious email than to ignore it or take a chance,” Bailey said. “IT staff would rather investigate a harmless message than respond to a security breach.
For questions or assistance with email security, contact the IT Support Desk at 740-5222 or IT_SupportDesk@volusia.org.
Together, we can keep Volusia County's systems secure.
