Phishing Statistics: The Number of Targeted Brands Could Exceed 7,000 By 2025!

Many of us rely on email, social media, and online services for work, shopping, and staying connected. But with this convenience comes a growing threat: phishing. This cybercrime method has quickly become one of the most common online dangers, impacting users and organizations around the globe.

Phishing is now the most widespread form of cybercrime, with an astonishing 3.4 billion spam emails sent daily according to AAG. Google alone blocks around 100 million phishing emails each day, and in 2022, spam made up over 48% of all emails sent. The issue is far from trivial, as the use of stolen credentials is the leading cause of data breaches, highlighting just how critical this threat has become.

Looking at these alarming trends, VPNRanks has made predictions about what lies ahead.

With phishing tactics growing in sophistication, these projections underscore the urgent need for strong security practices to protect users and businesses alike.

Phishing Statistics 2024 Key Findings from VPNRanks

These predictions highlight the need for strong cybersecurity and increased awareness to effectively fight against phishing threats.

What is Phishing or Phishing Attack?

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers try to trick people into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. They usually do this by disguising themselves as a trusted entity—such as a bank, social media site, or well-known company—and contacting the target through emails, messages, or fake websites.

Common forms of phishing include email phishing attack (fake emails from trusted-looking sources), spear phishing attack (targeted attacks on specific individuals or organizations), and smishing (phishing scams via SMS). Once attackers obtain this information, they can use it to access accounts, steal money, or commit identity theft, making phishing one of the most widespread and damaging forms of cybercrime today.

Countries Most Targeted by Phishing Attacks Worldwide

Phishing attacks have targeted certain countries more intensely, indicating regional trends in cybercrime. This data helps highlight countries with higher cybersecurity vulnerabilities, urging the need for increased awareness and protective measures. Understanding these patterns can aid in developing targeted solutions to combat phishing globally.

⚠️VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, Vietnam, Peru, and India will experience the highest phishing attack rates.

A Historical Data Review

Historical data showcases the progression and variation in phishing attack targets across different years.

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

Based on current trends, it’s projected that phishing attacks will intensify, with countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America experiencing even higher targeting rates.

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. Rising Internet Penetration in Developing Regions: As internet access expands, so does the attack surface for cybercriminals. Countries with newer digital adopters often lack strong cybersecurity, making them ideal targets.
2. India: Although not at the very top of the current lists, India’s vast online population and growing digital economy make it a likely target by 2025. The high number of internet users, combined with increased digital transactions, creates a large attack surface for cybercriminals.
3. Cybercriminals’ Strategic Shifts: Attackers are moving away from traditionally robust cybersecurity regions and focusing on less protected areas, capitalizing on weaker defenses and growing digital engagement.
4. Increased Phishing Sophistication: New phishing tactics, including AI-enhanced phishing and multilingual campaigns, allow cybercriminals to launch broader, more localized attacks that appeal to diverse populations.
5. Growth in Cross-Border Cybercrime: With phishing kits and resources more accessible, even inexperienced attackers can target users globally, contributing to the rise in phishing across a wider geographic range.

Yearly Growth in Brands Targeted by Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks have increasingly targeted brands and legitimate entities over the years, reflecting the growing threat of online impersonation. This challenge is compounded by the fact that 35.2% of users find it difficult to identify phishing or scam emails, according to a VPNRanks report, significantly increasing their vulnerability to such threats.

⚠️ VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, the number of targeted brands could reach approximately 6,500 – 7,000.

A Historical Data Review

This historical data according to Statista, illustrates how phishing has evolved to become a persistent threat across various industries, with a growing list of brands and entities at risk.

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

Based on the sharp rise seen from 2021 to 2023,

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. Evolving Phishing Tactics: As phishing techniques become more advanced, some brands may still fall prey to newer, more sophisticated attacks, especially if attackers target high-value brands.
2. Rising Digital Transformation: As more brands expand their online presence, cybercriminals have increased opportunities to impersonate legitimate entities, leading to more brands being targeted.
3. Sophistication of Phishing Techniques: Phishing tactics have become more advanced, using social engineering and AI-driven methods to impersonate brands more convincingly, thus attracting more attackers to target prominent brands.
4. Increased Focus on High-Value Targets: Attackers are likely to target well-known brands with a large user base or significant online presence, as they offer more potential victims and higher returns.
5. Widespread Use of Digital Services: With users relying heavily on online services, cybercriminals have a broader pool to exploit, leading to more brands across industries facing phishing threats.

These factors underscore the ongoing risk of phishing and the need for companies to invest in stronger cybersecurity defenses to protect their brand integrity.

Phishing Attacks Statistics: Most Impersonated Phishing Brands

Phishing attacks often target well-known brands to deceive users into providing sensitive information. Brands with large user bases and frequent online interactions are at greater risk of impersonation, as attackers leverage their trusted reputations to exploit unsuspecting users.

⚠️ VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, Microsoft, Apple, and Google will continue to be the top three most impersonated brands in phishing attacks.

A Historical Data Review

Check Point Research (CPR), the Threat Intelligence division of Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd., published its Brand Phishing Ranking. This report highlights the brands most commonly impersonated by cybercriminals aiming to deceive users and steal personal information or payment credentials, underscoring the persistent risks of phishing attacks.

Source

• Check Point Research (CPR) Q3 2024 Report
• Check Point Research (CPR) Q2 2024 Report
• Check Point Research (CPR) Q1 2024 Report
• Check Point Research (CPR) Q3 2023 Report

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

Microsoft is likely to lead due to its wide user base and essential business applications, followed by Apple and Google, as they are trusted brands with significant online ecosystems.

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. Wide User Base and High Engagement: Microsoft, Apple, and Google have extensive global reach and high daily user engagement, making them attractive targets for phishing attempts to maximize potential victim counts.
2. Essential Digital Ecosystems: These brands provide essential services (email, cloud storage, business applications) that are integral to personal and professional activities, making phishing attacks more convincing and effective.
3. Strong Brand Trust and Recognition: As highly trusted brands, phishing attempts impersonating Microsoft, Apple, and Google are likely to succeed because users often feel secure interacting with their platforms, reducing suspicion.
4. Continuous Digital Expansion: These brands are constantly expanding their digital services and integrating with other platforms, increasing the potential attack surface for cybercriminals aiming to exploit users’ trust in these ecosystems.

These factors underscore the likelihood that Microsoft, Apple, and Google will remain high-priority targets for phishing attackers by 2025.

Top Industries at Risk for Phishing Attacks Globally

Phishing attacks have increasingly targeted various online industries, with certain sectors like social media and SaaS/webmail being more vulnerable. Understanding which industries are most frequently attacked helps organizations in these sectors enhance their cybersecurity measures and reduce risks.

⚠️By 2025, industries such as social media, SaaS/webmail, and financial institutions are anticipated to remain prime targets for phishing attacks.

A Historical Data Review

Analyzing historical data provides insight into the changing landscape of phishing threats across industries. Trends indicate a shift in targets, with new sectors emerging as high-risk, reflecting the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

Social media may continue to be the most targeted, potentially accounting for over 40% of phishing attacks, as cybercriminals exploit the high volume of personal data and large user bases. Financial institutions and SaaS providers will likely see increased attacks as more transactions and sensitive data are handled online.

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. High User Engagement on Social Media: With billions of daily users sharing personal data, social media platforms are an attractive target for phishing, as attackers seek credentials and sensitive information.
2. Growth in SaaS and Webmail Usage: As more organizations rely on SaaS platforms and webmail for business operations, these services become critical entry points for cybercriminals looking to access corporate systems.
3. Financial Transactions Moving Online: The shift towards digital banking and financial services makes this sector a prime target for phishing attacks, as attackers aim to steal financial credentials and initiate unauthorized transactions.
4. Advances in Phishing Tactics: Phishing techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with personalized attacks that target specific industries, further intensifying the threat level for sectors like social media and finance.

Analyzing the Growth of Phishing Sites Over the Years

The number of unique phishing sites detected worldwide has shown a significant trend. This growth indicates a continuous rise in online threats, impacting individuals and organizations globally. Monitoring and preventive measures are essential to curb this trend.

⚠️ VPNRanks predicts that the number of unique phishing sites detected will likely continue to rise, potentially reaching or surpassing 2 million by 2025.

A Historical Data Review

A review of historical data from Statista reveals fluctuating but generally increasing numbers of phishing sites, with notable spikes in recent quarters. This trend highlights the persistent and evolving nature of phishing threats as attackers find new methods to deceive users.

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

Based on historical data,

This forecast is driven by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the widespread availability of phishing kits, which make it easier for cybercriminals to launch large-scale attacks.

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. Increased Internet Usage: As global internet access expands, more individuals and devices are vulnerable to phishing attacks, providing cybercriminals with more targets.
2. Sophistication of Phishing Techniques: Advances in phishing methods, including AI-generated phishing emails and targeted spear-phishing, contribute to a higher success rate and an increase in unique phishing sites.
3. Accessibility of Phishing Tools: The availability of phishing kits and services on the dark web allows even less-experienced attackers to deploy phishing sites, fueling the growth in phishing activities.
4. Digital Transformation in Businesses: With more organizations embracing remote work and digital operations, there is a growing attack surface, encouraging cybercriminals to launch phishing campaigns targeting employees and business systems.

Impact of Successful Phishing Attacks on Organizations

The effects of successful phishing attacks on organizations can be severe, ranging from data breaches to financial penalties. Each year, organizations face escalating risks, as phishing methods become more sophisticated, leading to substantial impacts on data security, operational stability, and reputation.

⚠️ VPNRanks predicts that credential and account compromise will likely remain a major concern, impacting over 30% of organizations.

A Historical Data Review (2021, 2022, 2023)

An analysis of historical data as per Statista on phishing attack consequences reveals consistent patterns, with certain impacts such as credential compromise and data breaches occurring frequently. By understanding these recurring consequences, organizations can better prepare for and mitigate potential risks.

What to Expect by 2025: VPNRanks’ Predictions

By 2025, phishing attacks are expected to have even more severe consequences for organizations.

Additionally, reputational damage may increase as customer awareness grows, with potential long-term effects on brands. Financial penalties and regulatory fines may also rise due to stricter cybersecurity regulations globally.

Core Influences Behind VPNRanks Predictions

1. Enhanced Cybersecurity Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations, increasing the likelihood of financial penalties for organizations that fall victim to phishing attacks.
2. Growing Sophistication of Phishing Tactics: Attackers are evolving their methods, making it easier to compromise credentials and access sensitive data, leading to breaches and network disruptions.
3. Increased Awareness of Privacy Among Consumers: As customers become more aware of data privacy, organizations face heightened reputational risks from breaches, potentially losing customer trust and loyalty.
4. Rising Costs of Data Breaches: The financial impact of data breaches continues to grow, as the costs associated with legal fees, remediation, and compensation for affected individuals escalate, reinforcing the need for robust security measures.

Case Study: Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks are increasingly common and involve tricking individuals into providing sensitive information by posing as trusted entities.  Phishing can have severe consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and data breaches for both individuals and organizations.

The Target Data Breach of 2013

In 2013, Target Corporation, one of the largest retailers in the United States, suffered a major data breach due to a phishing attack. This breach exposed the credit and debit card information of 40 million customers, along with 70 million personal records, making it one of the most impactful cybersecurity incidents of the decade.

The attack on Target began when cybercriminals launched a phishing campaign against Fazio Mechanical Services, a third-party vendor that handled Target’s refrigeration and HVAC systems. Attackers successfully infiltrated Fazio’s systems by sending deceptive emails that tricked employees into providing access credentials. These credentials eventually allowed the attackers to breach Target’s main network.

How the Breach Unfolded

Once inside Target’s network, the attackers installed malware on the point-of-sale (POS) systems in stores across the country. This malware captured customer card information and transmitted it back to the attackers, who then exploited the data on a massive scale. By the time the breach was detected, millions of card details and personal records had been compromised.

Impact of the Breach

The consequences of the Target breach were extensive:

Key Lessons Learned

Source

• Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

The Netflix Phishing Attack

Netflix, a popular streaming platform with millions of users worldwide, has been a frequent target of phishing attacks due to its extensive user base and the value of user account information.

One of the most notable phishing attacks on Netflix occurred in 2017. Cybercriminals initiated a widespread phishing campaign targeting Netflix subscribers. Users received official-looking emails claiming to be from Netflix, informing them of issues with their accounts or a need to update their payment information. These emails used Netflix’s logo, colors, and professional language to appear legitimate, convincing many users that they were receiving a genuine message.

How the Attack Unfolded

The phishing email included a link to a fake Netflix login page, where users were prompted to enter their account details, credit card information, and other personal data. This fake page was nearly identical to Netflix’s actual login page, making it difficult for users to detect the scam.

Once the user entered their details, the information was sent directly to the attackers, who could then use it to gain unauthorized access to the user’s Netflix account or steal payment information.

Impact of the Attack

The Netflix phishing attack had widespread consequences:

Key Lessons Learned

Source

• IT Governance USA

VPNRanks’ Methodological Breakdown: Prediction with Precision

This structured approach allows VPNRanks to provide reliable, data-driven predictions on phishing trends and emerging threats.

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FAQs

Conclusion

Phishing continues to pose a major threat, with attackers refining tactics to deceive users and exploit trusted brands. The rise in phishing incidents across various industries underlines the need for stronger security practices and increased awareness to safeguard sensitive data.

As phishing evolves, organizations and users must stay vigilant and proactive. Investing in cybersecurity measures, employee training, and regular updates on phishing trends will be essential to reduce vulnerabilities and combat this persistent threat.