Cybercriminals are trying to gain your trust by masquerading as big platforms, according to cybersecurity intelligence company Check Point Research. Apple and Netflix are among the most imitated 2020 brands used by phishing attackers – but they’re not alone.
Check Point Research analyzed the most common brands used to mask harmful phishing attacks from cybercriminals for the first quarter of 2020 and, overall, Apple topped the list, followed by Netflix, Yahoo, WhatsApp and PayPal.
Check Point Research has also broken down the most popular brands for platform phishing attackers, including the web and email. The top four brands used by cybercriminals on the web are Apple, Netflix, Paypal and eBay. For email, the top four are Yahoo, Microsoft, Outlook, and Amazon.
The web was the most used platform by phishing criminals (59%), followed by mobile (23%) and email (18%).
Curiously, the Check Point Research report hit my inbox shortly after I discovered a phishing attempt in my own email from a cybercriminal posing as Netflix. The hacker was so ravenous in money, he or she spelled “client” as without “client,” a revealing Freudian slip.
In many phishing attacks, cybercriminals lure unwanted victims to websites that resemble the official facade of a well-known brand. Hackers attempt to create web pages that mimic the design and theme of the trusted brand, in the hopes of making victims believe that they have landed on an authentic site.
Unsuspecting victims end up plugging their sensitive personal data into the fraudulent web page, including credit card information, home address, password and more.
Check Point Research explained that they have spotted an increasing number of phishing attempts in the tech, media and banking industries as the world struggles with homework, potential changes in finances and a increased need for entertainment services.
As a result, hackers are taking advantage of the pandemic – as we have reported before – and flocking to platforms with skyrocketing demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Phishing will continue to be a growing threat in the months to come, especially as criminals continue to exploit the fears and needs of people who use essential services from their homes,” said Maya Horowitz, Director of Threat Intelligence & Research at Check Point.
“As always, we encourage users to be vigilant and careful when disclosing personal data,” added Horowitz.