The Evolution of Phishing Tactics

Phishing tactics, strategies, and techniques have significantly evolved, becoming increasingly sophisticated and utilizing advanced technologies. HTML phishing remains a common and effective strategy for credential theft. Studies show an average of over 1,200 new threats each month from the fourth quarter of 2023 through the first half of 2024. Typically, attackers employ alarming language to intimidate victims into providing their credentials to access purportedly important documents, often pre-filling the email address and only requiring the password. Once the credentials are submitted, they are transmitted to a malicious server, while the user is redirected to a legitimate website to minimize suspicion.

QR Code Phishing Tactics

A recent trend has emerged concerning the increase in QR code phishing, commonly referred to as “quishing.” Using this method, cybercriminals incorporate QR codes into phishing emails, prompting recipients to scan them using their smartphones. These codes generally redirect users to fraudulent URLs that closely resemble legitimate login pages, such as those of Microsoft, in an effort to capture sensitive credentials. Industry analyses reveal a significant surge in quishing incidents in 2024. This technique proves particularly effective due to the widespread adoption of smartphones and QR codes. Once considered a niche technology, QR codes are now prevalent.

Use of AI in Phishing Tactics

Phishing attacks have evolved to become more complex, employing a range of communication channels to improve their success rates. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in enhancing the efficacy of these attacks. AI tools allow perpetrators to create highly personalized phishing messages that are more persuasive and difficult to identify. Attackers may initiate contact via email and subsequently reach out through platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or SMS, thereby increasing the perceived legitimacy of the phishing attempt. This multi-channel strategy has proven to be profitable for malicious actors, with platforms like Microsoft Teams representing a substantial share of these follow-up attacks.

Phishing strategies have advanced to more effectively take advantage of human behavior. The phishing landscape in 2024 poses intricate challenges that necessitate sophisticated detection and prevention techniques.

PTS works with multiple vendors to setup and manage ongoing, updated, interactive employee training to help stop phishing attacks before sensitive data is compromised. For more information, contact PTS today.