Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

In an era where password breaches have become all too common, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has emerged as a critical layer of security. MFA provides an authentication method that requires users to present multiple forms of identification before gaining access to systems, which is considered a more robust defence against cyber attacks. However, as cyber criminals evolve tactics, MFA is no longer impervious to threats, particularly phishing attacks that exploit vulnerabilities.

The good news is that advanced email protection methods do not necessarily call for a trade-off. Generative AI (GenAI) is both a way to embrace innovation and an enabler of robust defense mechanisms to take action against dangers that are increasingly difficult to counter. Investing in this technology at any stage of your email security program can make your organization adaptive, future-focused, and fully prepared to mitigate the risks posed by cybercriminals leveraging AI tools for malicious purposes.

Researchers at SlashNext warn that cybercriminals are using a WordPress plugin called “PhishWP” to spoof payment pages and steal financial information. The spoofed pages are designed to steal payment card numbers, expiration dates, CVVs, and billing addresses. The plugin can also intercept one-time passwords generated to secure the transactions. The stolen data is immediately sent to the crooks via Telegram as soon as the victim hits “enter” on the phishing page.

A phishing campaign is abusing Microsoft 365 test domains to send legitimate payment requests from PayPal, according to Fortinet’s CISO Dr. Carl Windsor. Windsor found that the threat actor registered a free MS365 test domain and used it to create a distribution list containing targets’ email addresses. The scammer then used this distribution list to send payment requests via PayPal’s web portal.

On January 7, 2025, CrowdStrike identified a phishing campaign exploiting its recruitment branding to deliver malware disguised as an "employee CRM application." The attack begins with a phishing email impersonating CrowdStrike recruitment, directing recipients to a malicious website. Victims are prompted to download and run a fake application, which serves as a downloader for the cryptominer XMRig.

A phishing campaign is targeting users with phony offers to beta test new video games, according to researchers at Malwarebytes. The phishing messages are sent via Discord, email, or text message. The messages purport to come from a game developer, and include a link to download an archive supposedly containing the game’s installer.

Spam isn’t just an annoyance to your email inbox; it's also becoming a problem for our phones. Last year, the average American received 9 monthly spam calls, totaling 3 billion spam and unwanted calls nationwide, costing $25.4 billion. Spam risk encounters people will likely receive are through: Out of people who fell for these kinds of scams, the most common amount people lost was between $100 - $249, and a smaller group said they lost over $1,000.

Credential phishing attacks surged by 703% in the second half of 2024, according to a report by SlashNext. Phishing attacks overall saw a 202% increase during the same period. “Since June, the number of attacks per 1,000 mailboxes each week has increased linearly,” the researchers write. “Currently, we are capturing close to one advanced attack per mailbox each week. As we reach the 1,000 threshold, this translates to nearly one advanced attack for every single mailbox each month.

Securonix warns that tax-themed phishing emails are attempting to deliver malware via Microsoft Management Console (MSC) files. “The attack likely starts with either a phishing email link or attachment,” the researchers explain.