HomeCII/OTNine out of ten emails are classified as spam

Nine out of ten emails are classified as spam

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In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the threat of AI-created phishing campaigns and sophisticated email scams looms larger than ever before. According to a report by VIPRE Security Group, the year 2024 saw a significant rise in spam emails inundating inboxes, with a staggering 9 out of 10 emails classified as spam.

This analysis, based on 7.2 billion emails sent globally, revealed that a large portion of spam emails were categorized as commercial, scam, or phishing attempts. The United States and the United Kingdom emerged as the top ‘spam senders,’ with surprising entries from countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway, known for their trustworthiness.

A concerning trend highlighted in the report was the prevalence of malware, particularly infostealers and remote access trojans, designed to infiltrate victims’ machines and gather sensitive information. The malware encountered was predominantly Windows-based, including notorious threats like Stealc, Lumma, and AgentTesla, posing a grave risk to cybersecurity.

Phishing tactics also took center stage in cybercriminal activities, with the use of links being the most favored method followed by attachments and QR codes. Of note was the spike in the use of QR codes, reaching 12% in the final quarter of 2024. URL redirection emerged as the primary tactic for phishing links, indicating a shift in cybercriminal strategies.

Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams continued to be a significant social engineering ploy, with impersonation tactics being employed in a vast majority of cases. Threat actors targeted roles like CEOs and executives, highlighting the vulnerabilities within organizations despite advancements in security software. The manufacturing sector was a prime target for email-based attacks, while brands like Microsoft, DocuSign, Apple, and Google were frequently spoofed by cybercriminals.

To combat the growing threat of automated and AI-enhanced email-based attacks, organizations were advised to implement robust email security technologies and promote a culture of heightened security awareness among employees. Usman Choudhary, Chief Product and Technology Officer at VIPRE Security Group, emphasized the importance of adopting a dual approach to tackle the evolving and increasingly sophisticated email threats.

Looking ahead, the report warned of the rising use of deepfake technology and synthetic media in email-based attacks, enabling cybercriminals to create personalized and convincing phishing emails. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and proactive in implementing cybersecurity measures will be crucial in safeguarding against malicious attacks.

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