Spear Phishing: Top Threats and Trends

Spear Phishing: Top Threats and Trends

  • By Barracuda Networks
  • August 26, 2021

Barracuda Networks released key findings of the way spear-phishing attacks are evolving and who cybercriminals are targeting with these attacks. The report, titled "Spear Phishing: Top Threats and Trends Vol. 6 – Insights into attackers’ evolving tactics and who they’re targeting," reveals fresh insights into recent trends in spear-phishing attacks and what people can do to protect their businesses.

“Cybercriminals are getting sneakier about who they target with their attacks, often targeting employees outside the finance and executive teams, looking for a weak link in your organization,” said Don MacLennan, senior vice president, engineering and product management, email protection, Barracuda Networks. “Targeting lower-level employees offers them a way to get in the door and then work their way up to higher-value targets. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have protection and training for all employees, not just focus on the ones you think are the most likely to be attacked.”

Fast Facts:

  • An average organization is targeted by over 700 social engineering attacks each year
  • 77% of BEC attacks target employees outside of financial and executive roles
  • 43% of phishing attacks impersonate Microsoft

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