LinkedIn tops the list of the most targeted platforms in phishing attacks

LinkedIn is holding the top spot for the most impersonated brand in phishing campaigns observed during the second quarter of 2022. Microsoft is the second most imitated brand by fraudsters, currently at 13%.

Cybersecurity company Check Point’s data states that phishing campaigns using fake LinkedIn emails try to mimic common messages from the platform to its users, such as “You appeared in 8 searchers this week”, or “You have one new message.” The sender addresses are spoofed to appear as if the messages are automated or come from the support or even the security department.

Some luring techniques used in these campaigns include fake promotions for the LinkedIn Pro service, bogus policy updates, or even threats of account termination for “unverified customers.”

Another reason for targeting LinkedIn accounts is that they can be used to set up fake job offer campaigns. Recently, North Korean hackers were able to trick an employee of a token-based online video game into downloading a malicious PDF that allowed the threat actor to steal $620 million worth of cryptocurrency.

Also, DHL currently holds the third spot in the list with 12%, down from 14%. Amazon rose to the fourth position, jumping from 2% in Q1 2022 to 9% this quarter, while Apple follows in fifth place with 3%, a notable increase compared to last quarter’s 0.8%.