Cybersecurity company KnowBe4 had released its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organisations at the start of 2025.
Based on data generated by KnowBe4 Defend, this edition highlights the growing threat of ransomware and explores how cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics to bypass native security and secure email gateways (SEGs). It also examines how AI is being leveraged to create polymorphic phishing campaigns, how attackers are infiltrating the hiring process to access systems and data, and the increasing success of attacks evading traditional defences.
Key findings from the report include:
- Between September 15, 2024, and February 14, 2025, there was a 17.3% increase in phishing emails compared to the previous six months;
- 82.6% of all phishing emails analysed exhibited some use of AI;
- The report observes a 22.6% increase in ransomware payloads;
- The phishing hyperlink, malware, and social engineering payloads getting through traditional detection have surged, with phishing hyperlinks increasing by 36.8%, malware by 20%, and social engineering tactics by 14.2% compared to the previous six months;
- Additionally, there has been a 57.9% increase in attacks being sent from compromised accounts getting through traditional detection;
- The top five legitimate platforms used to send phishing emails include DocuSign, Paypal, Microsoft, Google Drive, and Salesforce; and
- Currently the most impersonated brands include Microsoft, Docusign, Adobe, Paypal, and LinkedIn.
The report examines the unprecedented scale of polymorphic phishing tactics, now present in 76.4% of all phishing campaigns, which use AI-generated variations to bypass traditional security measures. Meanwhile, ransomware payloads in phishing attacks have risen by 22.6% over six months, with a sharp 57.5% increase in just three months, exemplified by a sophisticated INC Ransom payload detected by KnowBe4 Defend.
The research also highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the hiring process, with 64% of attacks focused on engineering roles, exploiting their access to critical systems and data.
“As ever, innovation in phishing threats and defences is accelerating rapidly,” said KnowBe4 SVO of Threat Intelligence Jack Chapman. “In this report, we have observed cybercriminals evolving their tactics, leveraging ransomware and polymorphic campaigns with new strategies to evade detection by both traditional and advanced technologies.”
“As we move through 2025, both phishing threats and defences will continue to evolve, emphasising a holistic approach that integrates technical defences with human risk management,” he added. “A strong security culture starts with detection but is reinforced by awareness, continuous education, and adaptive technology.”
You can download the Phishing Threat Trends Report, Vol 5, here.
