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Top Most Phished Brands

Monica Morris • Mar 25, 2022

Phishing remains a major threat to businesses because it requires little investment but offers potentially big rewards to cybercriminals. While any company can be impersonated, some are widely used in phishing attacks. These phished brands are impersonated because they are trusted by the public and offer tons of valuable personal and financial information.

How Hackers Engage in Brand Phishing

One of the ways hackers trick their victims is by sending generic fake security alerts and urgent password update requests. Targets often comply due to fear of losing their accounts.

Other brands may be impersonated using highly targeted phishing methods. Attackers can calibrate their phishing infrastructure so that it only displays the phishing page when the right user clicks on a malicious link. The attackers validate the user’s identity to screen out unwanted targets.

Some cybercriminals stay under the radar by including phone numbers but not links. With this approach, phishing emails can evade filters that are designed to flag malicious links.

Favorite Industries for Phishers

Tech Industry
Industries offering technology products are often targeted by hackers. This is because companies in the sector have a lot of sensitive user and research data that can be used to extort victims or fetch good money on the dark web.

Social Media
Social media let users interact with people across the world. Users often post and store sensitive personal information on their social media accounts. Gaining access to such accounts can be lucrative for cybercriminals.

Hijacked accounts may be resold or used for further compromise of the victim’s contacts.

Financial Services
Financial and Banking service companies are heavily targeted by attackers. Cybercriminals aim to take over the account and funds of their victims. Some hijacked accounts are used as conduits for laundering proceeds of other crimes. This can ensnare the victim as a suspect in law enforcement investigations.

Online Stores
Online shopping has gained more adoption due to the pandemic lockdown. The convenience of having items delivered to the doorstep is persuasive for many shoppers.

Hackers are aware of online shopping trends and relentlessly impersonate major online merchants to steal the personal and financial information of users. They may also hijack victims’ accounts to carry out unauthorized transactions.

Shipping Companies
Just like online stores, shipping companies have seen a surge in usage. Many people who have no previous dealings with freight companies now need to monitor the progress of their delivery.

This has presented hackers with phishing opportunities as they can easily take advantage of customers’ ignorance of the shipping process.

Cybercriminals can impersonate shipping companies to install malware on the victim’s computer via phishing.

The Most Phished Brands

Some brands are magnets for phishers and attract considerable impersonation attempts. This list of top phished brands was compiled by cybersecurity firm Vade.

FACEBOOK
Facebook has consistently ranked in the top five of the most phished brands for several years. It is now the most phished brand in the world.

Facebook has an impressive number of active users which makes it a prime target for phishing attacks. Hackers impersonate Facebook by sending links of cloned Facebook pages to users.

MICROSOFT
Microsoft is both a tech and a cloud giant. It is the second most impersonated brand.

Phishing attacks against Microsoft users vary according to the target. Some are just simple phishing with malicious links sent via email to unsuspecting victims.

More sophisticated Microsoft phishing attacks involved coding webpages that only engage with qualified targets according to the hackers criteria.

French Cooperative Bank Crédit Agricole is the third on the list of the most phished brands.

WHATSAPP
Another app within the Meta company makes the top fourth spot for phished brands. As a widely used instant messaging platform, WhatsApp accounts are in high demand by hackers.

French Postal bank, La Banque Postale and Telecom company, Orange take the fifth and sixth positions respectively.

AMAZON
Amazon, the retail and cloud giant makes the top phished brand at number seven. Amazon’s rapid growth as a destination for retail shopping and cloud application host makes it an attractive target for phishers.

Cybercriminals are looking for customers’ credit cards, gift cards, and other financial information from hijacked Amazon account

Chase Bank and Comcast Telecoms sit on the 8 and 9th position on the most phished brand.

PAYPAL
PayPal is the most popular online payment service. It is a regular target of impersonation by cybercriminals holding 10th position on the most phished brand. Hackers impersonate PayPal to get login details from victims in order to steal and transfer their funds or use them for online purchases. Hijacked PayPal accounts are also traded on the dark web by cybercriminals.

DHL
The increased use of shipping makes DHL a prominent target of phishing attacks by cybercriminals.

A lot of online shoppers’ goods are delivered via DHL. Hackers take advantage of these by sending fake emails about order delivery or changes to delivery schedules.

Other top phished brands include Netflix, Wells Fargo, Rakuten, and Adobe.

Staying Safe from Phishing

To protect your organization from phishing attacks, employees must be regularly trained about phishing methods detection and the threats of phishing to your business.

In addition, organizations should deploy automated anti-phishing tools and email filters to block malicious emails from reaching the user’s inbox.

While top brands are particularly targeted for phishing, SMBs are not left out of cybercriminals’ phishing schemes. Hackers target SMBs to steal financial and personal information as well as infect the victim’s machine with malware or ransomware.

For your business to avoid disruption and thrive in the long run, taking steps against phishing attacks is a must. Get in touch with SDTEK to discuss anti-phishing solutions for your company.

The post Top Most Phished Brands appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024

In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.