Microsoft Tops the List of Companies Most Frequently Targeted in Phishing Scams

 Microsoft Continues to Lead as the Top Phishing Target, with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Adidas Joining the Top 10

New data from Check Point data (CPR) looks at the largest phishing scams that occurred in the second quarter of 2024.

Based on CPR's assessment, Apple comes in second place with 10% of messages, and Microsoft appears in an astounding 57% of communications, making it the most imitated brand.
A number of new names were added to the top 10, with Adidas, Instagram, and WhatsApp together representing 2.3% of threats.

Rising Threat Levels

Tech is often the most impersonated industry because critical service providers frequently store sensitive information like financial and personal data. Cybercriminals commonly impersonate Microsoft by creating a fake threat to your device and prompting you to download fraud protection software via a link or attachment. They may also send fraudulent emails with “Message Failure Delivery” notices, directing users to a site that looks like the Outlook login page to steal login credentials.

Similarly, impersonators pretending to be Apple might claim that a user’s Apple ID has been locked or compromised, and direct them to a fake login page via a link.

Retail phishing scams often involve fake purchasing sites that mimic well-known brands, aiming to capture users' payment details.

Staying Vigilant

Phishing attacks are designed to rush users into quickly following their instructions, which usually leads them to a fake site where they’re asked to enter their account details.

“Phishing attacks are one of the most widespread cyber threats and often serve as the entry point for larger scale campaigns within a supply chain,” warns Omer Dembinsky, Data Group Manager at Check Point Software.

Dembinsky advises users to avoid clicking on unsolicited links, carefully verify email addresses, and use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you suspect you’ve received a phishing scam, Ghanaian users can forward it to the cybersecurity Ghana response team

If you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, act quickly by contacting your bank and investigating any suspicious activity.