Cybercriminals are getting better at pretending to be someone you trust. Would your team be able to spot a fake email if it looked like it came from Microsoft or Google? If you’re not sure, now’s a good time to read on.

Familiar Names Are Now a Cybercriminal’s Favorite Trick

We all rely on big tech companies every day. Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc., are trusted, well-known, and part of our daily routines. That’s exactly why scammers love to impersonate them.

According to research by Check Point, Microsoft is the most impersonated brand so far this year, appearing in over a third of reported phishing attacks. Google and Apple are close behind, making up a large share of the remaining cases. Together, just those three brands are used in over half of all known brand-based scams right now.

Mastercard Scams Are Targeting Specific Users

There’s also a rise in phishing attempts pretending to be from Mastercard. These scams have mostly targeted users in Japan, directing them to fake login pages that closely resemble the real thing.

These phony websites ask visitors to enter private payment information like credit card numbers and CVVs. Always double-check the website address before entering any details, and when in doubt, reach out directly to customer support.

A Quick Refresher on Phishing Attacks

Phishing is when someone tricks you into handing over private or sensitive information. Sometimes they’ll send a fake invoice pretending to be your bank or a vendor. Other times, they’ll send a link to a fake website that looks exactly like a real login page. If you type in your username and password, they’ve got what they came for.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Team

Prevention starts with awareness. Make sure your entire organization understands what these attacks look like and how they work. Here’s how you can lower the chances of being fooled:

Build a Strong Culture of Cyber Awareness

Help your team spot warning signs like unusual email addresses, unexpected attachments, or urgent requests for information. Talk about the importance of using strong passwords, being cautious with unfamiliar links, and avoiding public Wi-Fi when dealing with company data.

Consider holding regular training sessions or even running phishing simulations. These exercises give your team hands-on experience and can reduce the chances of someone making a costly mistake.

Use Smart Tools That Catch Attacks Early

Technology can act as a safety net. Spam filters, anti-malware scanners, and link checkers are all great tools to stop suspicious messages from ever reaching your team’s inbox.

These tools can detect impersonation attempts, block dangerous links, and alert users when something seems off.

Be Ready to Act if Something Goes Wrong

If a scam slips through, having a clear plan makes all the difference. Make sure everyone knows what to do, who to contact, and how to respond if an attack gets through.

Your plan should include steps to isolate the threat, reduce the damage, and bring systems back online quickly. Keep your backups up to date and rehearse your response regularly so everyone is prepared.

Stay One Step Ahead of Evolving Scams

Cyber threats are not slowing down, and scammers are constantly adjusting their approach. Fake Google login pages or phony Microsoft security alerts could pop up at any time.

Business leaders need to be vigilant. Keep your systems updated, train your people, and make cybersecurity a regular part of how you work. A little preparation today could prevent a much bigger problem tomorrow.