The company specializing in computer security Vade has just published its report on phishing and malware for the 1st quarter of 2022. According to data collected by the company, the number of malware exploded at the start of the year while brands French and American companies are among the most impersonated companies in phishing campaigns.
The company specializing in computer security Vade has just published its quarterly report on malware and phishing. As these experts explain, hackers came back in force at the start of 2022 after a brief lull in December 2021. It’s simple, in March 2022 alone, Vade researchers have detected no less than 32.9 million spoofed emails containing malware. This is the highest number ever recorded since 2016. Compared to the 1st quarter of 2021, we are talking here about a increase of 48.3%.
Phishing campaigns also exploded during the first three months of the year. In January, Vade detected 110.4 million phishing emails. This is an increase of 277% compared to the figures recorded in December 2021. Here are the main objects used by pirates in France:
- Get a 20% discount on your 1st order up to €200
- Error – MAIL SERVICE app
- A 20% discount on your 1st order up to €200
- Enjoy 20% discount on your purchases
- Last chance to take advantage of your 30 euros discount
Also read: Hackers pretend to be Facebook to hack your account
Large companies, the preferred target of phishing campaigns
Regarding phishing, Vade experts point out that identity theft remains a priority threat for companies. Indeed, hackers are increasingly diverting the logo, the interface, the style of the most popular brands around the world to trick users.
On the podium in the 1st quarter of 2022, we find Microsoft. The Redmond firm is the favorite target of hackers, sinceit represents 8.8% of detected phishing pages by Vade during this beginning of the year. These 4119 pages constitute an increase of 98.9%. Note that there are four French brands in the Top 25, in particular Crédit Agricole in 5th position with 5.3% of phishing pages. We remember that in September 2021, a vast phishing campaign made it possible to steal 1,700 bank cards.
Orange occupies 6th position while the Postal Bank is just behind. Ameli, the Health Insurance site, has gained 35 places and is now in 20th position. This represents a 1,359% increase in phishing pages regarding this administration. In April 2022, FranceTV relayed a new carte vitale scam from elsewhere. In total and in the 1st quarter of 2022, Vade analyzed 46,690 unique phishing pages, i.e. 37.2% more than in the last quarter of 2021.
Source: Press release