The holidays may bring joy and cheer, but for businesses, they also bring an increased risk of phishing scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of holiday chaos, heightened online activity, and year-end rushes to launch targeted phishing attacks. With phishing being the most common form of cybercrime — accounting for an estimated 3.4 billion spam emails every day — businesses must remain more vigilant than ever.
This article dives into the latest phishing statistics, the common scams to watch out for, and how AxiaTP can help protect your company this holiday season.
Shocking Phishing Statistics
The numbers don’t lie — phishing scams are more widespread and sophisticated than ever. Here’s a closer look at the latest stats:
- Phishing prevalence: Approximately 48% of emails sent in 2022 were spam (source).
- Global impact: Google blocks 100 million phishing emails daily, yet 323,972 internet users fell victim to phishing attacks in 2021 alone (source).
- Financial loss: Worldwide, phishing attacks cost businesses an average of $4 million per data breach (source).
- Younger workforce risks: Millennials and Gen-Z employees are the likeliest groups to fall victim to phishing (source).
It’s clear that phishing isn’t just a personal issue — it’s a major business liability.
Common Phishing Scams to Watch Out For
Cybercriminals keep innovating, but many phishing attacks rely on familiar tactics. Keep an eye out for these scams this holiday season:
1. Fake Delivery Notifications
With an uptick in online shopping during the holidays, delivery notification scams are rampant. Victims receive phishing emails disguised as notifications from trusted carriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Clicking on these links can direct users to malicious sites or download malware.
2. “Missing Package” Alert
“Item undeliverable” or “We missed you” phishing messages attempt to lure victims with claims of a failed delivery. They often contain links to fake tracking pages designed to harvest login credentials or payment information.
3. Winning a Giveaway Emails
Who doesn’t want a free vacation or prize, especially during the holidays? Scammers often use subject lines like “You’re the winner of our holiday raffle!” to entice victims into providing personal or financial info.
4. Impersonating Trusted Brands
Phishers frequently pose as well-known brands like Amazon, PayPal, or LinkedIn. For example, LinkedIn phishing attacks accounted for 52% of brand impersonation scams in early 2022. They may claim there’s an issue with your account or that you need to verify your information. Be vigilant about the email domain—if one letter is off, you may be getting scammed.
5. Fake Charity Scams
Holiday giving campaigns are prime targets for scammers. Fraudsters create fake charities and send emails or texts soliciting donations. Often, these fake pages look legitimate but are designed to steal payment info or commit identity theft.
6. Employee Impersonation (Whaling)
High-level executives often become targets of “whaling” attacks, where phishing scammers pose as CEOs or managers requesting urgent financial transfers. These attacks can lead to massive losses, as seen in the famous 2015 FACC whaling attack, which cost the company $47 million.
Why Phishing Scams Spike During the Holidays
The holiday season creates a “perfect storm” for cybercriminals due to several factors such as:
- Higher transaction volumes
- Overworked employees
- The general distraction of festivities
The increased global emphasis on online shopping further magnifies risks. For businesses, it’s essential to adopt proactive measures to minimize vulnerabilities during this heightened risk period.
How AxiaTP Can Help Protect Your Business
At AxiaTP, we understand the importance of keeping your business safe from phishing scams, particularly during peak holiday times. Here’s how we can help you stay protected all year round:
- Advanced Email Security: Our email security systems block malicious links and phishing content before they reach your employees’ inboxes. With AI-powered tools, AxiaTP identifies and intercepts phishing attempts in real-time.
- Employee Training Programs: Since human error accounts for the majority of successful phishing attacks, we provide cybersecurity training for your staff. These programs teach employees how to spot suspicious emails, avoid clicking harmful links, and report potential threats.
- Endpoint Security Solutions: Our robust cybersecurity solutions ensure that every device connected to your company’s network is protected. This extra layer of protection reduces the chance of malware spreading within your organization after a phishing attack.
Pro-tip: Download Cybersecurity Essentials: A CEO’s Guide to Protecting Your SMB to learn steps you can take to protect your business from phishing and other threats.
Stay Secure With AxiaTP
The holidays should be a time for celebration—not for dealing with cyberattacks. By staying vigilant, educating your employees, and partnering with experts like AxiaTP, you can safeguard your business from phishing scams and keep your data secure.
Want to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity strategy and stop scams in their tracks? Contact AxiaTP today or schedule a consultation to learn how we can help. Together, we’ll make sure your business stays safe this holiday season and beyond.
