The Q1 2025 Brand Phishing Report from Check Point Research provides a revealing look into the tactics and trends shaping cybercriminal behavior.
Microsoft, once again, emerged as the primary target of phishing attempts, accounting for a dominant 36 percent of attacks. This prominence underscores the central role Microsoft plays in both corporate and consumer digital ecosystems, making it an attractive gateway for attackers seeking access to sensitive information.
Google’s leap to second place with 12 percent signals the growing appeal of services that manage large swaths of user data.
Apple’s consistent presence in the top three reflects the sustained trust and value users place on its services, which attackers continue to exploit.
Top 10 brands targeted by phishing attacks during Q1 2025:
Microsoft – 36 percent
Google – 12 percent
Apple – 8 percent
Amazon – 4 percent
Mastercard – 3 percent
Alibaba – 2 percent
WhatsApp – 2 percent
Facebook – 2 percent
LinkedIn – 2 percent
Adobe – 1 percent
A particularly notable development is the return of Mastercard to the top 10, landing at fifth place with 3 percent. This resurgence coincides with a phishing campaign that targeted Mastercard users in Japan.
Fraudulent domains designed to imitate Mastercard’s official site aimed to extract critical financial data such as credit card numbers and CVVs. Although these domains are no longer active, their existence highlights the ongoing threat to financial institutions and the lucrative incentives cybercriminals find in impersonating trusted payment platforms. The success and scope of such campaigns serve as a stark reminder that financial phishing schemes remain both prevalent and potent.
Meanwhile, the sophistication of phishing efforts is also evident in the case of the OneDrive credential theft campaign. A convincingly forged login page under the domain login[.]onedrive-micrasoft[.]com was designed to capture user credentials by mimicking Microsoft’s branding with remarkable accuracy. This incident, like the Mastercard campaign, highlights the effectiveness of domain spoofing and brand impersonation in compromising user trust. It also speaks to the evolving craftsmanship of phishing tactics, where visual and linguistic accuracy are leveraged to increase success rates.
The industry trends revealed in the report show a clear focus on the Technology sector, which leads in brand impersonation. This aligns with the increasing dependency of individuals and organizations on cloud-based platforms and digital tools.
Brands like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are not only ubiquitous but also integral to digital identity and daily operations, thereby becoming high-value targets. Social Networks and Retail follow closely, with platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Amazon frequently mimicked. These platforms, which combine personal information, communication, and financial activity, are especially attractive for data theft and fraud.
Cybercriminals are increasingly strategic, focusing on highly trusted brands across sectors where digital presence and personal data intersect. The report underscores the need for heightened security awareness and robust cyber defenses, particularly in interactions involving financial transactions and cloud services.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
