Attacks targeting Swiss residents increased 10% last year, according to newly-released data that shows a growth in not just phishing attacks, but brand impersonation at purely a national level.
The Swiss Federation’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) hosts a phishing site reporting tool where individuals and businesses can report suspicious websites and emails. They analyze and track reports, consolidating their findings annually into their Anti-Phishing Report.
According to the findings summarizing 2023, Switzerland saw a massive spike in the number of phishing websites created monthly in December of last year, jumping to 1380 – a number 65% higher than the monthly average observed last year.
Additionally, of the 260 impersonated brands, nearly two-thirds (61%) were Swiss brands known within the country. I found this interesting; it means that attackers know they have a better chance of tricking a potential victim with an in-country brand than a national brand. The Swiss Post was the most-impersonated brand, at 21% of all attacks – a number that sits within a larger group of letter and parcel delivery companies, which represented 41% of all attacks.
What I found really interesting was one of the report’s recommendations: be skeptical. It’s a great way to put new-school security awareness training into practice and the need to be vigilant. The NCSC go on to provide an example: “no bank or credit card institution will ever ask you to change passwords or verify credit card details by email or SMS.” When they put it like that, it sounds obvious. But it’s not; which is why organizations and individuals need to “be skeptical” and stay informed on the latest attacks, scams, and techniques.
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