"Scam Page Volumes Surge 304% Annually"

Security researchers at Group-IB have recorded a 62% year-on-year (YoY) increase in phishing websites and a 304% surge in scam pages in 2022.  The researchers found that the average number of instances in which a brand’s image and logo was appropriated for use in scam campaigns increased 162% YoY, rising to 211% in APAC.  In total, the researchers detected a 304% YoY increase in scam resources using the name and likeness of legitimate brands in 2022.  Financial services were the most targeted sector (74%), followed by lotteries (12%), oil and gas (5%), and retail (3%).  Financial services and social media were also the two most commonly phished industries.  The researchers claimed that the increase in phishing and scam activity could be traced to the growing use of automation and social media in campaigns.  The researchers noted that the trend will continue going forward with the use of AI text generators.  In Europe, half (48%) of scams detected by the researchers in 2022 were spread via messaging apps, whereas in APAC (76%) and MEA (92%), the majority were disseminated on social media.

Infosecurity reports: "Scam Page Volumes Surge 304% Annually"