A Simple Visual Reminder That Urgency Is a Red Flag With Phishing

The Slow Down Phishing Poster is a 1-page digital or printable cybersecurity awareness resource designed to help employees recognize and resist urgent phishing emails and text messages before they lead to costly mistakes. Cybercriminals often rely on fear and urgency—messages that demand immediate action—to pressure users into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful attachments, or sharing confidential information.

Using a friendly, humorous design featuring a small snail, this poster delivers a memorable and effective message: slow down before you act. Whether it’s an email that appears to come from a trusted source or a threatening text that raises stress levels, the poster reinforces that urgency is often a warning sign—not a reason to rush.

The content helps employees understand how phishing messages use psychological triggers to manipulate behavior and highlights the most common actions scammers try to provoke. It also encourages safer responses, such as pausing, questioning the message, and following proper reporting procedures rather than reacting emotionally.

Designed for users at beginner to intermediate awareness levels, this poster is easy to understand, approachable, and effective without relying on technical language. It works well as a constant visual cue in shared spaces, helping reinforce good habits over time.

This resource can be custom-branded with your organization’s logo, allowing you to reinforce internal security messaging and align the poster with your company’s cybersecurity program.

• Post in break rooms, hallways, and common office areas
• Display near shared computers or printers
• Share digitally via intranet, email newsletters, or collaboration tools
• Include in phishing awareness or social engineering training campaigns
• Use during onboarding or annual cybersecurity refreshers
• Pair with phishing simulations or reporting reminders