As our lives become increasingly digital, the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow. One particularly insidious form of cyberattack is Brand Impersonation, also known as Brand Spoofing. This technique is used by hackers to steal data, which can then be used in future scams. By posing as a recognizable brand or organization familiar to the recipient, attackers can trick their victims into clicking on a link or attachment in the email.
In this article, we cover:
Have you ever received an email from your bank or a well-known company, only to realize that it was actually a cleverly disguised scam?
This is a common tactic used by hackers called Brand Impersonation, also known as Brand Spoofing. Brand Impersonation is a technique used by hackers to gain access to data that allows them to later defraud the victim. Posing as a recognizable brand — your brand? — attackers use that trust to trick people into giving cybercriminals the information they need to scam the victim.
Brand Impersonation attacks include:
The consumer and the brand both suffer from these attacks — successful or not — and modern brands must make the effort to minimize the attacks.
Brand Impersonation is a highly successful attack technique. Why? Because major brands have spent millions, even billions of dollars, to develop a sense of trust based on their name.
Brand Impersonators are counting on this trust, hoping that you will see a spoofed number from that brand, hear a legitimate-sounding message, and believe that this is a brand you trust. People are less likely to question a call or email that appears to be from their bank or a company they regularly interact with.
In additionally, cybercriminals often use urgent language or compelling calls to action to make recipients act quickly, making them more likely to fall for the scam.
What Are The Potential Damages To A Brand From A Brand Impersonation Attack?
Brand Impersonation attacks have severe consequences for a brand. Here are some potential damages that can result from these attacks:
Overall, the potential damages of Brand Impersonation attacks are significant and have long-lasting effects on a brand's reputation. It is essential for brands to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their customers from these types of attacks.
The good news is … something can be done about Brand Impersonation attacks. For example,
YouMailPS offers Brand Defense (full spectrum protection against vishing attacks) and Brand Monitor (surveillance of brand identity over the voice channel).
Learn more in a 15 minute, no obligation demo on how to protect your brand from Brand Impersonation attacks here >