Cybercriminals are now taking advantage of popular content creation and collaboration platforms to launch phishing attacks, according to new research from Barracuda Networks.
Barracuda said these platforms, often used by schools, designers, and businesses, are being exploited to send phishing links disguised as legitimate posts, designs, or documents.
Once users click on these links, they are led to fake login pages or websites that aim to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and personal details. This rise in phishing attempts is especially noticeable across the Philippines and the wider Asia Pacific region, where the use of digital platforms continues to grow.
“The surge in phishing attacks on trusted platforms shows how cybercriminals are evolving their tactics,” Saravanan Govindarajan, manager of Threat Analysis at Barracuda, said in a media advisory. “It’s crucial for people and organizations to stay alert and use strong security measures to counter these threats.”
Cybercriminals are constantly refining their strategies, using tricks like QR codes and URL shorteners to avoid being blocked by security systems. Barracuda advises users to be cautious when clicking on links, especially from unfamiliar senders. They also recommend using email protection tools that leverage artificial intelligence to stay ahead of these evolving threats.