Cybercriminals are well aware that masquerading as familiar and trusted brands is an effective tactic to bypass your vigilance. These reputable companies have invested significant time and effort in building their credibility through marketing, customer service, and branding, making them prime targets for hackers seeking to exploit your trust.

One of the most prevalent methods employed by these cyber thieves is phishing attacks. They establish URLs that closely resemble the legitimate company's website, employing subtle alterations that often go unnoticed:

  1. Swapping a numerical zero for the letter "O," or a capital "I" for a lowercase "L," capitalizing on rapid email scanning.
  2. Introducing words that mimic subdomains of the authentic company, such as "info@googleservice.com."
  3. Employing alternative domain extensions, like "info@google.io."

In more advanced cases, cybercriminals go the extra mile by crafting web pages that mirror the genuine sites. Clicking on links—whether through email, SMS, or social media—can lead to dangerous consequences.

Malware installation stands as the initial threat. Clicking on a malicious link might trigger an automatic malware download, resulting in the infiltration of your device with files designed to harvest personal identifiable information—such as usernames, credit card details, and bank account numbers.

A fraudulent website may also host a form intended to collect your data, encompassing login credentials, passwords, and even financial information.

Additionally, an open redirect may redirect you to a malicious website that intends to pilfer your data, despite the initial link appearing legitimate.

What brand impersonations do you need to look out for? Well, all of them, but according to Check Point’s latest Brand Phishing Report, there are 10 companies that top the chart in overall appearance in brand phishing attempts.

Here Are The Top 10 Most Frequently Impersonated Brands In Phishing Attempts In Q2 Of 2023:

  1. Microsoft (29%)
  2. Google (19.5%)
  3. Apple (5.2%)
  4. Wells Fargo (4.2%)
  5. Amazon (4%)
  6. Walmart (3.9%)
  7. Roblox (3.8%)
  8. LinkedIn (3%)
  9. Home Depot (2.5%)
  10. Facebook (2.1%)

Reflect on how many of these companies send you regular emails. Even one affiliation places you at risk.

Cybercriminals tailor their scams meticulously, crafting messages that align with each company's communication style to attract your attention.

Here are three common phishing attack strategies cybercriminals employ under the guise of these reputable brands to gain access to your private information:

  1. Unusual Activity Notifications: These emails create a sense of urgency, claiming unauthorized access to your account. They manipulate fear to induce hasty password changes, often using buttons like "Review Recent Activity" or "Change Password."
  2. Fake Gift Cards: Emails suggesting the receipt of an e-gift card redirect you to claim it or redeem it.
  3. Account Verification Urgency: These emails demand account verification due to alleged disconnection. Entering your credentials grants hackers access.

These scams are a daily occurrence, targeting not only individuals but also unsuspecting employees within organizations. Proper training is crucial to identify potential threats and mitigate risks.

To bolster your network security, consider implementing email monitoring to prevent phishing emails from infiltrating your inbox. Equally important is training your employees to recognize phishing attempts, ensuring your company remains secure.

Kickstart your cybersecurity efforts with a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. This evaluation will identify vulnerabilities within your network and recommend corrective actions. Schedule your assessment now to better understand your risk exposure.