Microsoft, PayPal, Google Top Phishing's Favorite Targets in Q3

Phishing attacks in Q3 2018 most frequently targeted Microsoft (19%), PayPal (17%), and Google (9.7%), report researchers from Comodo Threat Research Lab.

Email phishing is the most popular attack vector, and phishing scams represent one out of every 100 emails an enterprise receives, according to Comodo's "Global Threat Report 2018 Q3." Data shows phishing URLs, seen in 40% of these emails, are growing in popularity. Malicious attachments, which have the majority in 60% of scams, are still the most commonly used.

Taking a closer look at subject lines, the most popular is "Your account will be locked" (PayPal), which was seen in 40% of attacks. "Info" (FedEx) came in second at 10%, followed by the "August Azure Newsletter" from Microsoft (8%).

The latter, according to researchers, reflected an "uptick" in quality because it was harder for recipients to realize the associated risk. The email, disguised as a survey related to a Microsoft Azure newsletter, contained a seemingly authentic URL and logo. It also lacked grammar and spelling mistakes that often give away phishing emails. But anyone who clicked the "Take the survey" button was directed to a malicious website.

Read more details here.