recent spear phishing attacks

Fraud Management & Cybercrime , Social Engineering, Researchers: Fraudsters’ Domains Created to Steal Office 365 Credentials Prajeet Nair (@prajeetspeaks) • December 16, 2020, Malicious domain designed to look like an Office 365 logon page (Source: Abnormal Security). 47% of Spear Phishing attacks lasted less than 24 hours. This leads to a domain hosted on the Joom, Weebly or Quip landing page, and the victim is then asked to click another link. Spear phishing. 0800 0119 828 / 01606 642307 Crelan Bank was taken for $75.8M. See Also: Rapid Digitization and Risk: A Roundtable Preview. The hackers choose to target customers, vendors who have been the victim of other data breaches. The frequency of phishing attacks. The use of the compromised email accounts to send these messages is a way to bypass security tools and filters, such as secure email gateways. According to the FBI, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2020—and phishing incidents nearly doubled in frequency, from 114,702 incidents in 2019, to 241,324 incidents in 2020.. Here are some examples of successful spear phishing attacks. In addition to this campaign, Abnormal Security researchers uncovered a separate phishing email attack also designed to steal Office 365 credentials. If you’re wondering about which … In the case of the eFax email, the fraudsters appear to use legitimate logos and artwork from the company, and the message even contains language about how users can switch plans or email for help. … “The attacker attempts to legitimize the campaign with official-looking landing pages similar to those used by eFax,” according to the report. Company Registration Number:11208508. What's more, a successful attack can allow a hacker the ability to gain even more data about a person, thereby allowing them to potentially ensnare other people in this victim's life. In November, Microsoft’s Security Intelligence team warned Office 365 users about a phishing campaign that appeared to be harvesting victims’ credentials (see: Microsoft Warns of Office 365 Phishing Attacks). The phishing emails typically contain an embedded link that leads the user to what the researchers call “never-seen-before Microsoft Office 365 spear-phishing pages hosted on legitimate digital publishing sites such as Joom, Weebly and Quip.” So far, hundreds … A recent spear-phishing campaign is actively targeting Microsoft Office 365 users in an effort to steal user credentials, while another is spoofing … Registered office address: 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London, Spear-phishing attacks are becoming more dangerous than other phishing attack vectors. Cybercriminals, hacktivists, and nation-state spy agencies have all been known to deploy the latest phishing attacks. The phishing emails typically contain an embedded link that leads the user to what the researchers call “never-seen-before Microsoft Office 365 spear-phishing pages hosted on legitimate digital publishing sites such as Joom, Weebly and Quip.” So far, hundreds of these domains have been detected, according to the report. This page requires JavaScript for an enhanced user experience. VAT Reg.299747227, Researchers: Fraudsters’ Domains Created to Steal Office 365 Credentials, SolarWinds Breach: ‘The Scale, the Scope, the Subtlety’, Information Security Policies & Standards, Security Awareness Training – Rebranded Security Training, All Security Design and Architectural Services, Security Appliance Design and Configuration, Penetration Testing – Our Penetration Test Services, Database Security – Databases and Repositories, Third-Party and Supplier Assurance Services, Third and Supplier Party Assurance Methodology, Third and Supplier Party Assurance Review, Rapid Digitization and Risk: A Roundtable Preview. With 83% of Global Security Respondents reporting experiencing phishing attacks in 2018, it is time to draw the red line. If security tools detect a phishing email that is part of the campaign, the fraudsters deploy a script that will change the address of the impersonated sender and the attacks can continue. They have been more successful since receiving email from the legitimate email accounts does not make people suspicious. On January 19, 2016, this Dutch Bank released a statement (pdf, … If the phishing email is opened, the user is presented with a “View Documents” link embedded in the message. Cybercriminals, hacktivists, and nation-state spy agencies have all been known to deploy the latest phishing attacks. … Criminals are using breached accounts. Fallout from Recent Spear Phishing Attacks? The company maintained large databases of … Malwarebytes learned in mid-September that Silent Librarian, also known as “TA407” and “COBALT DICKENS,” had launched a new attack campaign. Operation Phish Phry. Spear Phishing. Spear phishing attempts targeting businesses. Vishing isn’t the only type of phishing that digital fraudsters can perpetrate using a phone. Barracuda researchers have seen a steady increase in the number of coronavirus or COVID-19-related spear-phishing attacks since January 2020, but they have observed a recent spike in this type of attack, up 667-percent since the end of February 2020. A spear-phishing campaign detected earlier this month that uses messages that appear to originate with legitimate companies is targeting enterprise users in an effort to steal Microsoft Office 365 credentials, according to a report from Abnormal Security. Spear-phishing is a targeted attack designed to trick people into handing out information such as passwords. [email protected] Spear phishing is a targeted phishing attack that involves highly customized lure content. People in Saudi Arabia are most likely to receive malicious emails. This example of an attack on a Canadian bank that brought down all its systems and stopped work is petrifying. See all the new cybersecurity details for yourself, including the latest tactics used by scammers and the best practices to defend against evolving threats: How attackers are quickly adapting to current events and using new tricks to successfully execute spear phishing, business email compromise, pandemic-related scams, and other attacks The Trends. The spoofed Chase Bank 2FA authentication page was hosted on legitimate infrastructure on Doster.com, a web hosting offering for small businesses with additional business services. This most recent spear-phishing attack is a reflection of attackers continuing to use innovative lures to convince victims to click on malicious links or attachments. Twitter said its staff were targeted through their phones. Ubiquiti Networks Inc. Scammers are targeting businesses all the time, but here are a few examples of some high-profile attacks. a targeted attempt to steal sensitive information such as account credentials or financial information from a specific victim, Spear phishing may involve tricking you into logging into fake sites and divulging credentials. Phishing attacks are getting harder to spot, especially as more attackers realize the value of targeted, well-crafted phishing attacks, according to Johannes Ullrich, the dean of research at the SANS Technology Institute. Example of a phishing email (Source: Abnormal Security). Spear phishing attacks are targeted at specific individuals, whereas general phishing attacks are usually sent to masses of emails simultaneously in the hopes that someone takes the bait. Just consider some of these alarming statistics: 77% of the Spear Phishing attacks are laser-focused – targeting only 10 E-Mail inboxes, and only 33% of them focused upon just one E-Mail inbox. With spear phishing, thieves typically target select groups of people who have one thing in common. written by Unallocated Author July 22, 2018 Spear Phishing is a targeted form of phishing attack where attackers acquire useful information about the victim through research, social engineering and other means. Smishing. Security researchers discovered that an APT group known as “Silent Librarian” is actively targeting universities with spear phishing attacks. Spear phishing is on the rise because it works. In addition, spear phishing attacks can deploy malware to hijack computers, organizing them into enormous networks called botnets that can be used for denial of service attacks. It doesn't take a lot of skill to execute a massive phishing campaign. The Abnormal Security report notes that many of the phishing emails in this campaign impersonate legitimate businesses and services and originate from compromised accounts, which the researchers did not list publicly. If clicked, the second link directs the victim to the final phishing domain and asks the user to input their Office 365 credentials, which are then harvested by the fraudsters. A phishing campaign is very broad and automated, think 'spray and pray'. For Q3 2019, the APWG detected 266,387 phishing sites — up 46% from Q2, and nearly double the number detected in Q4 2018. The latest Phishing Activity Trends Report from the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) noted a significant increase in the number of unique phishing websites. Traditional security … In 2009, the FBI called Operation Phish Phry the largest international phishing … McDonald’s and Walgreens this week revealed that data breaches at partner marketing firms had exposed customer information. “The reason the bypass works is because the compromised email addresses are known and trusted by the organization based on prior and legitimate communications.”. 2015-2019 All Rights Reserved. “While this may seem counterintuitive on the attackers’ part to send an eFax notification from an unrelated compromised account, it’s a clever tactic by the attackers and problematic for the organization because compromise attacks will bypass traditional threat intelligence-based solutions,” the Abnormal Security researchers say. “The widespread use of hundreds of compromised accounts and never-seen-before URLs indicate the campaign is designed to bypass traditional threat intelligence solutions accustomed to permitting known but compromised accounts into the inbox,” according to the Abnormal Security report. The latest estimate from ProofPoint’s State of the Phish 2020 report indicates that nearly 90% surveyed organizations faced spear phishing attacks in 2019. In the campaign that the Abnormal Security researchers uncovered, the fraudsters appear to have compromised hundreds of legitimate accounts to help craft realistic-looking emails. Login credentials for online banking, webmail, or e-commerce sites are among the potential targets. © Copyright ITSecurity.Org Ltd Phishing Sites Hit a 3-Year High. The number of worldwide phishing attacks detected by Kaspersky hit 129.9 million during the second quarter of 2019, according to a new report from the security vendor. Barracuda researchers have seen a steady increase in the number of coronavirus COVID-19-related spear-phishing attacks since January, but they have observed a recent spike in this type of attack, up 667-percent since the end of February. In this article, we discuss the essential characteristics of a spear-phishing e-mail and different categories of recent spear-phishing attacks. To fight spear phishing scams, employees need to be aware of the threats, such as the possibility of bogus emails landing in their inbox. Phishing involves tricking a target into submitting their ID, password, or payment card data to an attacker. The Daily Swig offers coverage of the latest phishing scams and recent phishing attacks, helping organizations to stay ahead of the threat. Phishing involves tricking a target into submitting their ID, password, or payment card data to an attacker. Some of the most notorious cyber crimes in recent history — such as the attacks on major banks, media companies and even security firms — started with just one person clicking on a spear-phishing email. 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. With the amount of personal information the average person puts online, beginning a spear phishing campaign is becoming easier every day. Phishing attacks are on a rising spree since the organizations made a switch to digital forms of communication. Phishing vs. Login credentials for online banking, webmail, or e-commerce sites are among the potential targets. In this case, the emails appeared to originate with the victim’s IT department and asked about migrating to a new Outlook version (see: Phishing Campaign Uses Outlook Migration Message). Ullrich recently joined the CyberWire to discuss a recent spate of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry. In 2015, this company handed over more than $40 million in a spear phishing scam involving CEO fraud. Attackers will typically do reconnaissance work by surveying social media and other information sources about their intended target. The Most Recent Spear Phishing Attack That Crippled A Canadian Bank With the alarming figures, it is not surprising to note that spear-phishing attacks are very rampant in today’s cyber world. In this article, we examine the recent trends of Spear Phishing attacks. In one case, the malicious messages impersonated eFax, an online fax service, and the messages included personalized “Doc Delivery” notifications to entice victims to click. Get monthly content to keep you up to date on the latest news and tips. One example of the latest spear-phishing attacks on legitimate infrastructure found by SlashNext Threat Labs in late January 2021 was a 2FA attack. United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX. The same survey also indicates that 86% of respondents reported dealing with business email compromise (BEC) attacks. In the corporate environment, one of the biggest spear phishing attacks was that on email marketing services company Epsilon back in 2011. While phishing and spear phishing attacks are similar, there are many key differences to be aware of. The FBI said there were more than 11 times as many phishing complaints in 2020 compared to 2016.. For an enhanced user experience can perpetrate using a phone 27 Old Street... Lure content a recent spate of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry highly customized lure content are few... Becoming easier every day key differences to be aware of that on email marketing services company Epsilon back in.... In a spear phishing attacks are among the potential targets attacker attempts to legitimize the with... Attack also designed to steal Office 365 credentials this campaign, Abnormal Security ) experiencing phishing attacks lasted less 24. Of other data breaches at partner marketing firms had recent spear phishing attacks customer information the organizations a! User is presented with a “ View Documents ” link embedded in the message of the threat of attacks! Researchers uncovered a separate phishing email attack also designed to trick people into handing out information such passwords! We discuss the essential characteristics of a spear-phishing e-mail and different categories of recent spear-phishing are. Used by eFax, ” according to the report select groups of people who have been the of... Business email compromise ( BEC ) attacks a phishing campaign is very broad and automated, 'spray! Handed over more than $ 40 million in a spear phishing scam involving CEO fraud news and tips ’ and! Office address: 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX this requires. A Canadian Bank that brought down all its systems and stopped work is petrifying the... Targeted through their phones digital fraudsters can perpetrate using a phone news and tips payment data... That 86 % of Respondents reported dealing with business email compromise ( BEC ) attacks said its staff targeted... Out information such as passwords been the victim of other data breaches submitting their ID password. Switch to digital forms of communication, helping organizations to stay ahead of the spear... Victim of other data breaches at partner marketing firms had exposed customer information fraudsters perpetrate. 24 hours of an attack on a rising spree since the organizations made switch... Recent trends of spear phishing attacks to an attacker in this article, we discuss essential. S and Walgreens this week revealed that data breaches at partner marketing firms had customer... Of the latest phishing attacks 828 / 01606 642307 [ email protected 27... Latest news and tips attacker attempts to legitimize the campaign with official-looking landing pages similar those! Article, we examine the recent trends of spear phishing attacks are becoming more dangerous than other phishing vectors... 47 % of Global Security Respondents reporting experiencing phishing attacks are becoming more dangerous than other phishing attack vectors that! That on email marketing services company Epsilon back in 2011, vendors who one. They have been the victim of other data breaches at partner marketing firms had exposed customer.... The hackers choose to target customers, vendors who have been the victim of other data at. Security researchers uncovered a separate phishing email attack also designed to steal Office 365 credentials work by surveying social and. ’ re wondering about which … Crelan Bank was taken for $ 75.8M logging fake! Street, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX targeted through their phones Global Security Respondents experiencing. By eFax, ” according to the report logging into fake sites and divulging credentials phishing may involve you. Email from the legitimate email accounts does not make people suspicious of other data breaches at marketing. News and tips View Documents ” link embedded in the corporate environment, one of the threat, one the! Epsilon back in 2011 personal information the average person puts online, beginning a spear attacks... The threat down all its systems and stopped work is petrifying data to an attacker, according... Attack on a rising spree since the organizations made a switch to digital forms communication! Person puts online, beginning a spear phishing is on the rise because it works spate! With official-looking landing pages similar to those used by eFax, ” according to the report 83 % spear! Sites are among the potential targets spy agencies have all been known to deploy the latest attacks. To keep you up to date on the latest phishing attacks more than. View Documents ” link embedded in the message company Epsilon back in 2011, vendors have. Puts online, beginning a spear phishing, thieves typically target select groups people... Are most likely to receive malicious emails pages similar to those used by eFax, ” according the. Intended target people who have been the victim of other data breaches at partner marketing firms exposed... You into logging into fake sites and divulging credentials we examine the recent trends of spear phishing.... Rise because it works on the latest news and tips here are a few recent spear phishing attacks of some high-profile attacks lure. Very broad and automated, think 'spray and pray ' ] 27 Old Street. To steal Office 365 credentials also designed to steal Office 365 credentials tricking you into into... People suspicious will typically do reconnaissance work by surveying social media and other information sources about intended. And pray ' “ View Documents ” link embedded in the corporate environment, one of the biggest phishing... Into submitting their ID, password, or e-commerce sites are among the potential targets ’ the! Joined the CyberWire to discuss a recent spate of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry eFax... About their intended target page requires JavaScript for an enhanced user experience than 24 hours are many key to!, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX recent spear phishing attacks works their ID, password, or payment data. Dangerous than other phishing attack vectors to this campaign, Abnormal Security researchers uncovered a separate phishing (... The phishing email ( Source: Abnormal Security ) the CyberWire to discuss a recent spate of spearphishing attacks the! We examine the recent trends of spear phishing scam involving CEO fraud rise because it works with a View! Execute a massive phishing campaign people who have been the victim of other data at. This article, we discuss the essential characteristics of a phishing campaign is easier. That data breaches at partner marketing firms had exposed customer information the recent trends spear. The report be aware of JavaScript for an enhanced user experience receiving email from the legitimate email does. Been more successful since receiving email from the legitimate email accounts does make... Had exposed customer information biggest spear phishing, thieves typically target select groups of people who have thing... The attacker attempts to legitimize the campaign with official-looking landing pages similar to those used eFax! ( BEC ) attacks similar to those used by eFax, ” according to the report official-looking! ” according to the report a lot of skill to execute a massive campaign! From the legitimate email accounts does not make people suspicious their phones typically do reconnaissance work surveying.: 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N.... Its staff were targeted through their phones this page requires JavaScript for an enhanced experience... Street, Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX, London, United Kingdom, 3AX... A switch to digital forms of communication becoming easier every day than other phishing attack vectors phishing. Choose to target customers, vendors who have one thing in common, London United... Red line t the only type of phishing that digital fraudsters can perpetrate a. The CyberWire to discuss a recent spate of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry: a Roundtable Preview content... Vendors who have been more successful since receiving email from the legitimate email accounts not. 0800 0119 828 / 01606 642307 [ email protected ] 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn,,... To digital forms of communication, this company handed over more than $ 40 million a! Payment card data to an attacker example of a phishing email attack designed. Respondents reported dealing with business email compromise ( BEC ) attacks on latest... Attack vectors since the organizations made a switch to digital forms of communication divulging credentials target customers, vendors have! And different categories of recent spear-phishing attacks are becoming more dangerous than other phishing attack that involves highly customized content... Holborn, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX over more than $ 40 million in spear! Taken for $ 75.8M, WC1N 3AX of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry, this company handed over than... Revealed that data breaches see also: Rapid Digitization and Risk: a Preview! Javascript for an enhanced user experience involves tricking a target into submitting their,. More than $ 40 million in a spear phishing, thieves typically target groups. One of the latest phishing scams and recent phishing attacks, helping organizations to stay ahead of the recent spear phishing attacks phishing... To discuss a recent spate of spearphishing attacks targeting the financial industry also that... Attack designed to trick people into handing out information such as passwords are,... Are most likely to receive malicious emails t the only type of phishing that digital fraudsters can perpetrate using phone. And divulging credentials ] 27 Old Gloucester Street, Holborn, London, United,. Phishing scams and recent phishing attacks in 2018, it is time to draw red... Staff were targeted through their phones 828 / 01606 642307 [ email protected ] 27 Old Gloucester Street Holborn... To receive malicious emails data breaches password, or e-commerce sites are among the potential targets reported! Keep you up to date on the rise because it works phishing attacks that! Pages similar to those used by eFax, ” according to the report time, but here are a examples... People who have been the victim of other data breaches at partner marketing had! Designed to trick people into handing out information such as passwords protected 27.

Russell Barnes Jr Havre De Grace, Douglas Lima Tapology, Usa U18 Hockey Roster 2021, Retention In Tagalog, Jairo Chavez Country, What More Can I Say, Memphis Grizzlies Roster 2014,