Phishing Scams: Why Microsoft Is the #1 Target
When an email lands in your inbox from Microsoft, chances are you open it without much hesitation. After all, it’s Microsoft – a global tech giant that you likely trust.
But what if that email isn’t from Microsoft at all?
Cybercriminals are constantly exploiting that trust. Microsoft is currently the most impersonated brand in phishing scams worldwide.
According to recent studies, over a third (36%) of phishing attacks in early 2025 mimicked Microsoft. That’s a staggering figure.
Google and Apple followed closely behind. Together, these three well-known companies account for more than half of all phishing-related scams.
So what’s going on – and more importantly, how can your business stay protected?
Let’s start with the basics. Phishing is when scammers send fake messages or emails that appear to come from legitimate companies. The aim is to trick you into clicking harmful links, opening malicious files, or revealing confidential information like passwords, banking details, or ID numbers.
The fallout from falling for a phishing attack can be severe: stolen money, hacked systems, data breaches – and serious disruption to your business.
To make things worse, phishing attempts are getting harder to detect. Gone are the days of dodgy grammar and clumsy links. Today’s attackers use real logos, cloned websites, and even spoofed email addresses that seem authentic – right down to “micros0ft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”.
Recently, a spike in phishing scams pretending to be from Mastercard has also emerged, with victims being lured to fraudulent websites to enter card details.
It’s a clear sign: scammers are becoming more advanced, and no brand is immune from being imitated.
So, how can you tell if that email from Microsoft is legitimate – or a carefully crafted trap?
The key is to slow down and stay alert.
Legitimate emails from companies like Microsoft won’t demand urgent action with threats like “Click now or your account will be deactivated.” Language like that should raise an immediate red flag.
Always examine the sender’s email address carefully. It might look right at first glance but take a closer look – slight misspellings or unfamiliar domains are warning signs.
And never click on a link if you’re unsure. Instead, open your browser and manually type the company’s official web address. It’s the safest route.
Taking a few extra seconds to verify a message may feel inconvenient, but it’s nothing compared to the headache of recovering from a cyber attack.
Phishing scams are only becoming more sophisticated. That’s why it’s important to:
- Stay vigilant
- Equip your business with robust cyber security tools
- Use protective measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA)
The more recognisable the brand, the more likely it is to be spoofed. That convincing-looking Microsoft email? It could be a cyber trap in disguise.
Need help protecting your business from phishing attacks? Contact GZD for practical advice and tailored cyber security solutions that help keep your systems – and your team – safe.
