Tech Tips

Is that Microsoft Email Actually a Phishing Attack?

Phishing attack

You’re no stranger to the endless threats lurking in your email inbox. But have you ever considered that an email that seems to be from Microsoft could end up being your worst nightmare? Microsoft, the tech giant we all know and trust, has become the most imitated brand regarding phishing attacks.

That’s where cybercriminals send you an email that contains a malicious link or file. They’re trying to steal your data.
And while Microsoft isn’t to blame for this, you and your employees need to be on high alert for anything that seems suspicious.

During the second quarter of 2023, Microsoft soared to the top of brands imitated by criminals, accounting for 29% of brand phishing attempts. This places it well ahead of Google in second place (19.5%) and Apple in third place (5.2%). These three tech titans account for more than half of the observed brand imitator attacks.

What does this mean for your business?

Despite a clear surge in fake emails targeting millions of Windows and Microsoft 365 customers worldwide, careful observation can help protect you from identity theft and fraud attacks. While the most imitated brands change from quarter to quarter, usually, cybercriminals are less likely to change their tactics.

They use legitimate-looking logos, colors, and fonts. Phishing scams frequently use domains or URLs similar to the real deal. But a careful scan of these and the content of any messages will often expose typos and errors – the tell-tale signs of a phishing attack.

One of the latest attacks claims there has been unusual Microsoft account sign-in activity on your account, directing you to a malicious link. These links are designed to steal everything from login credentials to payment details.

And while tech firms continue to be popular scam subjects, many cybercriminals have turned to financial services like online banking, gift cards, and shopping orders. Wells Fargo and Amazon rounded up the top five during Q2 2023, accounting for 4.2% and 4% of brand phishing attempts, respectively.

What can you do to protect your business?

The answer is simpler than you might think. The best action regarding a phishing attack is to slow down, observe, and analyze. Check for discrepancies in URLs, domains, and message text.