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Phishing 2.0: 8 Modern Attack Tactics Every UK Business Must Prepare For

  • allanpage
  • 19 minutes ago
  • 3 min read
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Phishing isn’t limited to dodgy emails anymore. Cyber attackers are using new, sophisticated methods to trick staff across websites, social platforms, mobile apps and even QR codes. For businesses, understanding these tactics is essential to protect your data, finances and reputation.


1. SEO Poisoning: Fake Sites Appearing at the Top of Google

Cyber criminals now manipulate search results to push malicious sites ahead of genuine ones. A recent analysis showed attackers injecting fraudulent content into compromised websites to climb Google rankings.


“Just because a site appears at the top of Google doesn’t mean it’s safe. Attackers know how to play the system - and businesses need to stay alert,” Allan Page, Managing Director at Somerbys IT.

❗For any organisation, this means staff could search for tools, downloads or suppliers and accidentally land on a malicious lookalike site.


2. Paid-Ad Scams (Malvertising): Dangerous Links Disguised as Ads

Attackers buy ad space across major platforms: Google, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn - to push users toward malware-infected sites. A recent campaign involved 200+ malicious Android apps downloaded over 40 million times. (source: techradar.com)


❗For busy teams, one misplaced click on a convincing ad can quickly escalate into a data breach.


3. Social-Media Phishing: Impersonation and Fake Profiles

Scammers now impersonate real staff, suppliers or well-known figures on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. They build trust through messages, comments or quizzes - then direct victims to malicious forms or links. With AI-generated deepfake photos and voices becoming more accessible, these scams are harder to spot. 


4. QR-Code Phishing (“Quishing”): A Growing Threat in Everyday Places

QR codes are everywhere, from café tables to car parks, and attackers take advantage by placing fraudulent codes over the real ones. UK reports show quishing attacks rising by over 500% in the last 12 months. (source: fstech.co.uk)


❗One quick scan on a company mobile could lead to a fake payment page or malware download.


5. Malicious Mobile Apps: Hidden Malware in Legit-Looking Apps

Even apps on trusted platforms can be compromised. Researchers recently identified hundreds of malicious Android apps totalling 60+ million downloads before being removed. (source: blog.knowbe4.com)


❗For businesses where staff use mobile devices for work, this poses a significant risk.


6. Callback Phishing: Fake Support Numbers

In callback scams, attackers encourage staff to dial a “support” number sent via email, text or even a forged Google listing. When someone calls, the attacker poses as a support agent and extracts sensitive details. These scams are highly convincing because the victim initiates the call, making them feel more legitimate.


7. Cloud-Based Phishing: Attacks Through Trusted Platforms

Attackers increasingly use Microsoft SharePoint, Teams, Google Drive and other cloud tools to host phishing pages. Because these platforms are trusted, many security filters fail to flag the links. Any business using cloud collaboration tools is at risk.


8. Content-Injection Attacks: Genuine Sites Compromised

Instead of creating fake websites, some attackers slip malicious content onto legitimate pages. A “Contact Us” button on a compromised site could redirect to a scammer’s form or fake support line. This type of attack is subtle and dangerous.


Why This Matters for Every Business

Whether you run an office, a warehouse, a restaurant or a professional services firm, phishing is no longer confined to your inbox. Your staff encounter these threats through:


  • Google search

  • Social media

  • Advertisements

  • Mobile apps

  • QR codes

  • Cloud tools

  • Customer-service interactions


“Cyber criminals don’t care what industry you’re in, they care whether they can trick someone. Businesses of every size must protect themselves across all channels,” adds Allan Page.

How Somerbys IT Helps Protect Your Business

  • Staff awareness training

  • Simulated phishing and quishing campaigns

  • Device and mobile-app security

  • Cloud-security hardening

  • Malware and threat-prevention systems

  • Continuous monitoring and response

  • Incident reporting and recovery


When every click could be a risk, proactive protection is essential.


Strengthen Your Defences Today

Somerbys IT supports businesses across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with cyber security-first IT support. If you’d like help defending your organisation against modern phishing threats, we’re here to guide you.


Get in touch with the Somerbys IT team and keep your people, data and finances protected.

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