Check Point security researchers release their alert list to remind all users that cyber criminals like to impersonate big brands for fraudulent purposes. Fake emails from DHL, Microsoft and LinkedIn also end up in companies a lot.
Check Point Research, the research division of Check Point Software, has published the Brand Phishing Report for Q3 2022. The report highlights the brands most commonly impersonated by criminals to steal personal data or payment information during the months of July, August and September.
Phishing emails: also target LinkedIn
While LinkedIn was the most impersonated brand in both the first and second quarters of 2022, in the third quarter it is the shipping company DHL that tops the list with 22 percent of all phishing attempts worldwide. Microsoft is in second place (16 percent) and LinkedIn has fallen to third place with 11 percent.
🔎 Attackers are also very interested in access to OneDrive: they try to confuse users with fake shares (Image: Check Point).
The rise in swindling on behalf of DHL could be due in part to a major global fraud and phishing attack that the logistics giant itself warned about just days before the quarter began. Instagram also made its debut this quarter after a blue badge-related phishing campaign was reported in September. These are usually used for verification and identify users as trustworthy.
DHL phishing emails end up in the office
Transportation is one of the most lucrative industries for brand phishing after technology. With most countries heading towards the busiest retail time of the year due to the upcoming festivals, CPR will continue to monitor mail order related scams as hackers are likely to step up their efforts in this area to target (online) shoppers deceive.
The top phishing brands in Q3 2022
- DHL (abused for 22 percent of all global brand phishing attempts)
- Microsoft (16 percent)
- LinkedIn (11 percent)
- Google (6 percent)
- Netflix (5 percent)
- WeTransfer (5 percent)
- Walmart (5 percent)
- WhatsApp (4 percent)
- Bank HSBC (4 percent)
- Instagram (3 percent)
About check point Check Point Software Technologies GmbH (www.checkpoint.com/de) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for public administrations and companies worldwide. The solutions protect customers from cyberattacks with an industry leading detection rate for malware, ransomware and other types of attacks. Check Point offers a multi-level security architecture that protects company information in cloud environments, networks and on mobile devices, as well as the most comprehensive and intuitive “one point of control” security management system. Check Point protects over 100.000 businesses of all sizes.