APWG Q1 Report: Phone-Based Phishing Grows Explosively, Shifting the Cybercrime Threatscape

CAMBRIDGE, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2024 – The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) has released its Q1 Phishing Activity Trends Report, highlighting a surge in phone-based phishing attacks. These attacks, including vishing and smishing, abuse telephone services and infrastructure. Phone numbers comprised over 20% of fraud-related assets detected by OpSec in Q1 2024.

Matthew Harris, Senior Product Manager at OpSec, noted that vishing and smishing have escalated since early 2021 due to advanced filtering technologies impeding email-based scams. Phone calls remain more engaging, allowing scammers to gain victims' trust or confuse them.

John Wilson from Fortra reported a notable increase in hybrid vishing, where emails prompt recipients to call scammers, using brands like Norton/LifeLock as lures. These made up 5.6% of Fortra’s engagements in Q1 2024.

APWG's report documented 963,994 phishing attacks in Q1 2024, with social media platforms being the most targeted sector. The banking sector saw a decline in targeted attacks, dropping to 9.8%.

APWG's assessment warns that the availability of personal data online makes it easier for cybercriminals to create convincing scams using AI. APWG Secretary General Peter Cassidy emphasized the need for vigilance and skepticism in communication.