Phishing remains a significant threat in the digital world, and in 2023, certain sectors experienced a worrying increase in attacks. Below, we analyze the most affected sectors:
1. Finance and Insurance Industry
The finance and insurance industry faced 27.8% of all phishing attacks. This sector has been targeted by increasingly sophisticated attacks, including voice phishing (vishing) and the use of deepfakes to deceive victims. The 393% increase in phishing attacks in this sector is concerning and requires increased vigilance and education for employees and customers.
2. North America
North America, especially the United States, was the epicenter of phishing attacks in 2023. Over 55.9% of the attacks were directed at this region. The advanced digital infrastructure and high volume of online financial transactions make the United States an attractive target for cybercriminals. EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and India also experienced a significant number of attacks.
3. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom recorded 112.9 million phishing attacks, accounting for nearly 25% of the total in EMEA. British organizations, especially in the financial and technology sectors, must strengthen their defenses and raise awareness among their employees about phishing tactics.
4. Spain
Spain also faced a considerable number of phishing attacks. The technology sector led with 3.08% of the total attempts (14,787,680 attempts). Canada and Germany also experienced a high number of attacks.
In summary, combating phishing must be a priority for all organizations. Continuous education, implementation of robust security measures, and employee awareness are essential to protect against these persistent threats.