What is the slam method? A Simple Way to Bolster Email Security

Introduction

Email is one of the most common tools businesses use daily, but it’s also a preferred avenue for cybercriminals. Phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and malicious attachments are only a click away from causing significant harm. So how do you protect your organization and employees? Enter the SLAM method—a simple yet effective approach to secure your inbox.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the SLAM method, what it stands for, and how to implement it to enhance your business’s email security.

1. What Does SLAM Stand For?

The SLAM method focuses on four critical elements in email communication:

• S: Sender
• L: Links
• A: Attachments
• M: Message

By carefully analyzing these aspects, employees can detect and avoid phishing or malicious emails.

2. Breaking Down the SLAM Method

S – Sender

Always verify the sender’s email address. Cybercriminals often disguise themselves as legitimate contacts by using spoofed or slightly altered email addresses.

What to Look For:

• Is the sender’s email domain misspelled?
  Example: @amazon-secure.com instead of @amazon.com.
• Does the sender match the context of the message?

Pro Tip:
Hover over the email address to ensure it matches the sender’s official domain. Use tools like Whois to verify unfamiliar domains.

L – Links

Links in phishing emails often lead to malicious websites designed to steal sensitive information.

What to Look For:

• Do the links match the organization’s website?
• Does the link have unusual extensions (e.g., .ru or .xyz)?

Pro Tip:
Hover over hyperlinks to view their destination. Avoid clicking links that don’t clearly lead to trusted websites.

A – Attachments

Attachments can contain malware, ransomware, or other harmful files. Cybercriminals often use enticing file names to trick recipients into opening them.

What to Look For:

• Are you expecting this attachment?
• Is the file type suspicious (.exe, .zip, .scr)?

Pro Tip:
Use antivirus software to scan attachments before opening. Block certain high-risk file types at the email gateway.

M – Message

The content of the email can reveal if it’s genuine or fraudulent. Phishing messages often use urgency and fear tactics to compel action.

What to Look For:

• Does the message contain grammatical errors or awkward phrasing?
• Is there a sense of unnecessary urgency, like “Your account will be deactivated in 24 hours”?

Pro Tip:
Train employees to spot red flags in tone, grammar, and context. Encourage them to verify suspicious emails with IT support.

3. Why Is the SLAM Method Important?

a. Simplifies Cybersecurity for Employees

The SLAM method is straightforward and easy to remember, making it ideal for employee training programs.

b. Reduces Human Error

Since 95% of breaches are caused by human error, adopting the SLAM method minimizes the risk of accidental clicks on malicious content.

c. Improves Overall Security Posture

When employees are vigilant about email security, they strengthen the organization’s defenses against cyber threats.

4. How to Implement the SLAM Method in Your Organization

a. Conduct Employee Training

Regularly train staff on how to identify phishing emails using the SLAM method. Simulated phishing exercises can test their knowledge.

b. Use Email Security Tools

Employ tools like spam filters, email firewalls, and anti-phishing software to block suspicious emails before they reach inboxes.

c. Establish a Reporting System

Encourage employees to report suspicious emails to the IT department. This helps prevent widespread attacks.

d. Update Policies Regularly

Keep email security policies updated as cyber threats evolve. Include the SLAM method as a standard practice in your organization’s cybersecurity framework.

5. Real-Life Examples of SLAM in Action

Example 1: Preventing a CEO Fraud Attempt

An employee received an email claiming to be from the company’s CEO, requesting a wire transfer. Using the SLAM method, they noticed:

• S: The sender’s email had a slight misspelling.
• L: The included link redirected to an unrelated site.
  The employee flagged the email, preventing a potential financial loss.

Example 2: Avoiding a Malware Infection

A marketing intern was about to open an attachment named “Invoice Details.exe.” They remembered the SLAM method and verified the sender, realizing it was a phishing attempt.

6. SLAM Method vs. Advanced Security Measures

While the SLAM method is excellent for everyday vigilance, it should complement advanced security measures such as:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Secure Email Gateways (SEGs)
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems

Combining user awareness with technology provides the most robust defense.

7. Tips for Maximizing SLAM Effectiveness

• Integrate SLAM Into Onboarding: Make it part of your new hire training process.
• Gamify the Process: Reward employees for correctly identifying phishing emails.
• Regular Updates: Share examples of new phishing tactics to keep employees informed.

Conclusion

The SLAM method is a powerful yet simple tool to reduce the risks associated with email-based cyberattacks. By focusing on the sender, links, attachments, and message, employees can become the first line of defense against phishing and other malicious threats.

Call to Action:
Want more cybersecurity insights and tools? Visit our Resources page to enhance your email security today!

To fully grasp the importance of methods like SLAM, it helps to consider the broader pillars of cybersecurity. The 5 C’s of Cybersecurity—Change, Compliance, Continuity, Coverage, and Cost—form the foundation of a well-rounded security strategy. Each “C” represents a critical factor in managing and mitigating cyber risks effectively. By combining practices like the SLAM method with these fundamental principles, businesses can create a more resilient security framework. Learn more about the 5 C’s of Cybersecurity to see how they support email security and other defenses.