Phishing Attacks Surge in 2024: Google, Facebook, and Amazon Top the List of Targets
Google, Facebook, and Amazon have been identified as the leading targets in a surge of phishing attacks during the first half of 2024, as detailed in a recent report by Kaspersky, a prominent cybersecurity firm. The report highlights a notable increase in phishing activities, with cybercriminals focusing their efforts on these major platforms to extract sensitive user information.
According to the report, phishing attempts have seen a global increase of nearly 40% compared to the same period last year. Cybercriminals deployed a range of tactics, including fake websites and deceptive emails, designed to trick users into revealing their login credentials. Google, which was the most targeted, faced over 4 million blocked phishing attempts, a figure that has more than tripled from the previous year.
Facebook followed closely behind, with approximately 3.7 million phishing attempts. The social media platform’s extensive user base made it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to gain unauthorized access to personal data. Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce platform, was also heavily targeted, with around 3 million phishing attempts aimed at exploiting its customer base.
The report also notes that other major brands like Microsoft and DHL were frequent targets, with phishing attempts numbering in the millions. Mastercard, in particular, saw a sharp rise in phishing activities, with a 210% increase compared to last year. Netflix, another popular brand, experienced a doubling of phishing attempts, reflecting the broadening scope of these cyber threats.
Kaspersky’s findings emphasize that while well-known brands are the primary targets, smaller and niche brands are not immune. Cybercriminals often capitalize on high-demand products or seasonal trends to maximize their impact. The report suggests that companies should enhance their cybersecurity measures, continuously monitor their digital footprint, and educate their users about the risks and signs of phishing.
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
