Phishing is no longer just a nuisance, it is a full-blown war of deception. And in 2025, the world’s biggest tech giants are on the frontlines.
A new cybersecurity report by Check Point Research has revealed that phishing attacks surged in the second quarter of 2025, with Microsoft, Google, and Apple topping the list of the most impersonated brands globally. The report paints a sobering picture: attackers are getting smarter, more targeted, and frighteningly believable.
What is Happening?
Between April and June 2025, Microsoft accounted for 25% of all brand phishing attempts. Google followed at 11%, while Apple took 9%. That means nearly half of all phishing emails tried to mimic these three tech companies. The tactic is simple but effective: attackers create near-perfect replicas of login pages, support emails, and app alerts to trick users into handing over passwords, payment details, or even full identity documents.
Why these companies? Because they are the digital backbone of daily life. Whether it is Outlook, Gmail, or Apple ID, people trust these platforms, and that is exactly what scammers exploit.
How the Scams Work
Imagine getting an email that says:
“Your Microsoft account has been locked due to suspicious activity. Click here to verify your credentials.”
Or a message that reads:
“Your Apple ID is about to expire. Update your payment info to avoid service disruption.”
These are the kinds of hooks hackers are using, laced with urgency and wrapped in trust. Once a user clicks, they are redirected to a spoofed login page that looks identical to the real one. If they enter their credentials, attackers harvest them instantly and gain full access to the user’s digital life.
Even more alarming: some attacks now bypass two-factor authentication by stealing session cookies or using real-time “man-in-the-middle” proxies. This means even users with advanced security measures can still fall victim.
The Platforms They are Exploiting
According to Check Point, here is the breakdown of top impersonated brands in Q2 2025:
| Brand | % of Total Phishing Attacks |
| Microsoft | 25% |
| 11% | |
| Apple | 9% |
| Amazon | 4% |
| 3% |
These campaigns often target users during specific times such as holiday seasons, product launches, or tax deadlines when people are more likely to be distracted and less cautious.
Why This Matters (Especially in Developing Countries)
In countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya where adoption of tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and iPhones is widespread, these scams pose an enormous threat. Not only are individuals targeted, but small businesses, NGOs, and even government bodies can be compromised through a single email click.
Cybersecurity remains underdeveloped in numerous African nations, increasing their susceptibility to phishing-related incidents. Cybersecurity experts from Kaspersky and Check Point have pointed out that a greater dependence on digital technology coupled with insufficient knowledge and security measures paves the way for rampant cybercrime
What Can Be Done?
Individuals should:
- Double-check sender addresses and links.
- Avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups or urgent messages.
- Use password managers and multifactor authentication.
Educate themselves and family members on phishing signs.
Organizations should:
- Deploy email filtering and phishing detection software.
- Conduct staff training and simulated phishing exercises.
- Monitor logins and access patterns for anomalies.
- Use zero-trust frameworks for sensitive systems.
In an era where trust is currency, cybercriminals are cashing in. By mimicking the brands we use daily, they weaponize familiarity and convenience. The phishing epidemic of 2025 is a reminder: digital security is not just about firewalls and antivirus anymore, it is about vigilance, education, and rapid response.
If it feels off, do not click. That one moment of doubt could save your data and your peace of mind.
