LinkedIn leads the way as social networks overtake other phishing methods – SC Magazine

LinkedIn was tied to more than half of all phishing-related attacks globally, according to a new story by Check Point. Pictured: The LinkedIn app logo is displayed on an iPhone on Aug. 3, 2016, in London. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)A study on Q1 brand phishing trends by Check Point research found that social media networks have now overtaken shipping, retail and technology as the most likely category targeted by criminal groups.Check Point said so far this year, LinkedIn has been tied to 52% of all phishing-related attacks globally, marking the first time LinkedIn has reached the top of the rankings.LinkedIn’s numbers represent a dramatic 44% increase from the previous quarter, when LinkedIn was in fifth position and related to only 8% of phishing attempts. Check Point said LinkedIn has now overtaken DHL as the most targeted brand, which has now fallen to second place and accounted for 14% of all phishing attempts during Q1.Along with LinkedIn, WhatsApp maintained its position in the Top 10, accounting for almost 1 in 20 phishing-related attacks worldwide. Big Tech companies Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft remained in the Top 10, as did shipping companies AliExpress, FedEx, and Maersk.Oliver Tavakoli, CTO at Vectra, said…
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