Vade Secure Research: Top Phishing Trends

Microsoft topped the "Phishers’ Favorites Top 25" list of the most impersonated brands in phishing attacks in the second quarter of 2019, according to predictive email defense company Vade Secure. The company has ranked first on each of Vade Secure's quarterly Phishers' Favorites Top 25 lists to date.

Vade Secure's artificial intelligence engine detected 20,217 unique Microsoft phishing URLs during 2Q19. the company said. This represented a 15.5 percent year-over-year increase.

Meanwhile, PayPal ranked second on the 2Q19 Phishers' Favorites Top 25 list, followed by Facebook, Netflix and Bank of America.

Cloud ranked first in terms of overall phishing URLs in 2Q19, Vade Secure reported. However, the overall share of cloud phishing fell from 42 percent in 1Q19 to 37.6 percent in 2Q19.

Also, 79.8 percent of phishing emails were sent on weekdays in 2Q19, Vade Secure noted. The most popular days for phishing attacks in 2Q19 were Tuesday and Wednesday.

How Can Channel Partners Teach Customers About Phishing Attacks?

Phishing attacks are prevalent, but training resources and tools are available that enable MSPs to teach customers about these attacks.

Phishers' Favorites offers data that MSPs can use to teach customers about the cyber threat landscape. MSPs also can use this information to highlight which brand impersonations are on the rise and show recent examples of phishing attacks.

MSPs and channel partners can leverage cybersecurity awareness training tools to help educate customers about phishing attacks.

For its part, Vade Secure promotes email security services. Key adopters include large ISPs (Internet Service Providers). More recently, the company has partnered with Datto and promoted its software to MSPs in the SMB (small and midsize business) market. Datto founder Austin McChord is an investor in Vade.

Additional insights from Joe Panettieri.