Hackers target Gmail, Facebook, and Amazon account passwords, which is expected. Such accounts may complete the cybercrime trinity of data theft, virus dissemination, and credit card fraud. Google accounts are a skeleton key to a wealth of account credentials and personal information for fraud. Gmail is so popular that you probably have an inbox full of information. Many companies still send password change requests and second-factor authentication links to your email.

Kaspersky examined 25 of the largest and most recognized worldwide businesses to identify which fraudsters target most for phishing attempts. Kaspersky reported 26 million attempts to visit malicious sites disguised as these brands in the first half of 2024. Almost 40% more than in 2023.

Google topped the phishing target list for all the reasons cited. Google is a top target for cybercriminals seeking passwords. Kaspersky reported a 243% rise in attack attempts in the first six months of 2024, with 4 million prevented by its protection systems.

The Kaspersky investigation, which has not been published online, found 3.7 million phishing attempts on Facebook and 3 million on Amazon. The top 10 targeted companies were Microsoft, DHL, PayPal, Mastercard, Apple, Netflix, and Instagram. Kaspersky said that HSBC, eBay, Airbnb, American Express, and LinkedIn saw huge increases in targeting in the first six months of the year, albeit they didn't make the top 10.