Tech Desk
Aug 27, 2024
Google, Facebook, and Amazon appear to be the most frequently phishing-targeted brands of 2024 with an increase of nearly 1.5 times compared to 2023, according to Kaspersky’s recent research.
The Russia-based cyber security company’s latest research among 25 popular global companies highlighted that the phishing attacks impersonating these brands were 26 million times worldwide which is 40% more frequently than in January to June 2023.
Among the brands analysed, Google emerged as the most targeted brand, with over four million phishing attempts blocked globally, followed by Facebook with around 3.7 million attempts, and Amazon ranked third with approximately three million attempts.
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Similarly, Microsoft and DHL were among the top five with 2.8 million and 2.6 million attempts, respectively. However, Apple, Netflix, Instagram, PayPal, and Mastercard, are also featured among the top 10 brands targeted by cybercriminals for credentials and money in 2024.
It appears that some brands have become increasingly targeted in phishing attack attempts compared to 2023 with Google more than tripled, showing 243% growth in the first half of 2024.
However, Mastercard experienced a 210% rise in attempts, followed by Facebook and Netflix, which experienced double the number of phishing attacks.
Kaspersky’s security expert Olga Svistunova said, “The surge in phishing attempts against Google is alarming. If attackers gain access to a Gmail account, they could potentially exploit multiple services.
Other brands that didn’t make it into the top 10, but were increasingly targeted include HSBC, eBay, AirBnb, American Express, and LinkedIn.
