How to Spot a Phishing Attempt: New Tactics to Watch for in 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, making phishing attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. In 2025, attackers are leveraging AI, deepfakes, and more convincing social engineering techniques to deceive even the most cautious individuals. Here’s what to watch for to protect yourself and your business.

1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Hackers are now using AI to craft highly personalized and grammatically perfect phishing emails. These messages may mimic a colleague’s writing style, reference recent conversations, or even include AI-generated responses to lure victims into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

How to spot it:

• Check the sender’s email address carefully for slight misspellings or domain inconsistencies.
• Be wary of unexpected attachments or links, even from known contacts.
• Verify any unusual requests through a separate communication channel, such as a phone call.

2. Deepfake Voice and Video Attacks

With advances in deepfake technology, cybercriminals can now replicate voices and even video footage of executives, colleagues, or family members to manipulate victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.

How to spot it:

• Be skeptical of urgent financial or confidential requests made through voice messages or video calls.
• Implement two-factor verification before processing any significant transaction.
• Use AI-powered tools that detect deepfake alterations.

3. Compromised QR Codes

Cybercriminals are embedding malicious links in QR codes, which, when scanned, lead to phishing sites that steal login credentials or install malware.

How to spot it:

• Avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources or unsolicited emails.
• Verify the URL that appears before proceeding.
• Use security software that scans QR codes for threats.

4. Hijacked Social Media and Chatbots

Hackers are taking over business and personal social media accounts or deploying AI-driven chatbots that convincingly impersonate customer support teams, tricking users into providing passwords or financial details.

How to spot it:

• Verify accounts through official websites rather than clicking links from social media messages.
• Be cautious when engaging with chatbots that request sensitive data.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure your accounts.

5. Invoice and Payment Fraud

Fraudsters are increasingly intercepting business emails and modifying invoice details to reroute payments to their own accounts. They may also impersonate suppliers, sending fake invoices with legitimate-seeming details.

How to spot it:

• Confirm any payment detail changes with a known contact via a verified communication method.
• Train employees to recognize unusual payment requests.
• Use secure, encrypted email services for financial transactions.

6. Malicious Browser Extensions

Some phishing attacks now come in the form of seemingly harmless browser extensions that, once installed, steal login credentials and sensitive information.

How to spot it:

• Only download browser extensions from official stores with high ratings and reviews.
• Monitor browser activity for unauthorized changes.
• Regularly audit installed extensions and remove any unfamiliar ones.

Protect Yourself Against Phishing in 2025

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest phishing tactics and educate employees on new threats.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Use Email Security Tools: Invest in AI-driven email filters that detect and block phishing attempts.
• Verify Before You Click: Always double-check links, email addresses, and unusual requests.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to your IT or security team immediately.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can protect yourself and your business from the ever-evolving phishing threats of 2025. Cybercriminals are using new and advanced techniques every day. Ensure your business is secure from phishing attempts by partnering with Computek. We provide email protection, dark web monitoring, click time protection, and more.

At Computek we offer fully comprehensive cybersecurity including email security for businesses. Our services are tailored to your specific business needs, ensuring cost-effective solutions. Contact us today to schedule a 15-minute consultation at 512-869-1155 or book online here.

That’s all for this week’s Tech Tip Tuesday!