FL-KNOWBE4
18.1.2023 14:01:41 CET | Business Wire | Press release
KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today announced the results of its 2022 and Q4 2022 top-clicked phishing report. The results include the top email subjects clicked in phishing tests, top attack vector types, holiday phishing email subjects and more insightful information that reveal the most popular phishing email tactics.
Phishing emails continue to be one of the most common and effective methods to maliciously impact a variety of organizations around the world – everyone is a potential victim. Cybercriminals constantly refine their strategies to outsmart end users and organizations by changing phishing email subjects to be more believable and attention grabbing. This shift in phishing tactics over time is evident in the increasing trend of cybercriminals using business-related email subjects.
Business phishing emails are lucrative and successful because of their potential to affect a user’s workday and routine. These include emails from HR, IT, managers and web services such as Google and Amazon. KnowBe4’s 2022 phishing test results reveal that for the year, nearly 50% of email subjects were HR related, while the other half were related to career development, IT and work project notifications. These types of emails bait recipients into opening them and are likely successful because they create a sense of urgency in users to act quickly, sometimes without thinking and taking the time to question the email’s legitimacy.
Additionally, this year’s phishing tests revealed the top vector for the year to be phishing links in the body of an email, which has stayed consistent for the last three consecutive quarters. The combination of these phishing tactics is clearly a working strategy for cybercriminals but detrimental to users and organizations as they can lead to cyber attacks such as business email compromise and ransomware.
Along with an increased utilization of more business-related emails and links within emails, the Q4 2022 phishing test also shares the top holiday phishing email subjects. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for online activities and cybercriminals count on end users having their guards down when it comes to staying alert and spotting phishing emails. Like general phishing email subjects, holiday phishing email subjects consist of emails from HR and IT, however, they are also tailored to the holiday season and the festivities that typically happen during that time of the year by mentioning holiday parties, gifts, food and more.
“Cybercriminals are smart and pay attention to what works and what does not when it comes to effective phishing emails,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “This is why we see email subjects evolve and upgrade over time to keep up with end users and what they may be susceptible to. Phishing emails are a year-round threat and remain a challenge during the holiday season as well – holiday phishing emails are the one gift that no one wants to receive in their inbox. KnowBe4’s phishing test reports emphasize the importance of new-school security awareness training that educate users on the latest and most common cyber attacks and threats. A strong security culture and an educated workforce is an organization’s best defense to remain vigilant and stay safe online from cybercriminals and their attempted threats.”
To download a copy of the 2022 and the Q4 2022 KnowBe4 Phishing Infographics, visit here and here.
About KnowBe4
KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 54,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. Kevin Mitnick, an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Tens of thousands of organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230118005172/en/
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Interactive Brokers Launches Access to Korean Equities, Breaking New Ground for Global Investors7.5.2026 03:00:00 CEST | Press release
Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR), an automated global broker, today announced the launch of access to equities listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX), becoming the first major US-based broker to offer seamless trading in Korea's $1.8 trillion equity market. Korea ranks fourth among Asia's equity markets and tenth globally by market capitalization, with over $10 billion in daily volume – liquidity comparable to many European exchanges. The market is home to category-leading semiconductor manufacturers, automotive innovators, and consumer technology companies with global footprints, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor. As one of Asia’s most liquid markets, Korea represents a point of entry for international investors seeking exposure to the region’s technology leadership and industrial innovation. For investors operating across multiple markets and time zones, Interactive Brokers' launch expands the ability to build truly global portfolios with the same integrated tr
Andersen Global udvider med samarbejdspartneren NetExpat7.5.2026 01:38:00 CEST | Pressemeddelelse
Andersen Global styrker sin platform på tværs af Asien-Stillehavsområdet, Europa og USA gennem en samarbejdsaftale med NetExpat, der er en virksomhed med speciale i medarbejderassistance, interkulturel oplæring og ledelsesudvikling for internationalt mobile medarbejdere. NetExpat blev grundlagt for mere end 25 år siden og er en anerkendt markedsleder inden for global mobilitet og talentudvikling med støtte til multinationale kunder verden over. Virksomheden tilbyder vurderings-, trænings- og coachingprogrammer, der er designet til at understøtte globale arbejdsstyrker og deres medarbejdere i forbindelse med flytninger, herunder interkulturelle parathedsvurderinger, målrettet, effektiv kulturoplæring, karriere- og integrationsstøtte til medarbejderes ægtefæller samt talentudviklingsprogrammer for internationalt orienterede teams. "I mere end to årtier har NetExpat haft fokus på at hjælpe organisationer og deres medarbejdere med at trives med international mobilitet," udtaler Alain Verst
Brightfin Launches Spend Clearly AI to Help Enterprise Tech Leaders Take Control of Growing IT and AI Costs6.5.2026 22:32:00 CEST | Press release
New AI-powered optimization app delivers real-time visibility, cost reduction, and predictive forecasting as enterprise AI spending accelerates Brightfin, a leader in AI native IT cost optimization, today announced the launch of Spend Clearly AI, an intelligent optimization app purpose-built for enterprise technology leaders navigating the dual pressures of rising IT complexity and rapidly escalating AI investment. As organizations race to deploy AI apps, models, and infrastructure, technology demands on the budget are expanding faster than ever and growing harder to track, justify, and control. The modern enterprise IT bill has become a moving target. Spend Clearly AI gives CIOs, CTOs, and IT finance teams a single, intelligent app to see exactly where every technology dollar is going, eliminate waste, and stay ahead of costs before they spiral. "Stop thinking about IT as a cost problem. The goal isn't just to spend less — the goal is to spend better," said Joel Martins, CEO of Bright
iQmetrix to Showcase Intelligent Commerce Operating System and Catalyst Innovation at DTW Ignite 20266.5.2026 19:20:00 CEST | Press release
Bronze sponsor debut includes Catalyst project innovation, live platform demo, and a unified AI‑native commerce vision iQmetrix, the Intelligent Commerce Operating System for telecom, announced today it will exhibit, speak, and compete as a bronze sponsor at DTW Ignite 2026 in Copenhagen from June 23–25. The company will deliver a live product demo in The Loft, showcase its ODA PRISM Catalyst project alongside a consortium of global operators and technology partners, and exhibit at Booth #317 throughout the event. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260506948390/en/ The debut marks a milestone in iQmetrix’s global growth strategy and deepens its partnership with TM Forum, following its recent recognition as an ODA Component Directory Partner. The Future of Commerce Is Won at the Orchestration Layer DTW Ignite 2026’s theme, “The Future. Faster.,” captures the urgency facing communications service providers worldwid
Go Beyond the Guidebook: Why Ireland Rewards Those Who Slow Down6.5.2026 18:15:00 CEST | Press release
In a world where travel often feels rushed and driven by checklists, Ireland stands apart. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260501313521/en/ Lusty Beg Island Kesh, Co. Fermanagh The destination offers something deeper, drawing visitors beyond the expected toward richer encounters with its landscapes, culture and communities. As a compact island, Ireland gives holiday makers the chance to take in much of the destination while still travelling at a relaxed, unhurried pace. It’s a chance to slow down, not to do less, but to feel more - more calm, more connection, and more of what makes travel meaningful. This approach to travel is matched by Ireland’s natural warmth and welcome, helping visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive. Take the scenic route From the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest coastal routes, to the rolling landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Irela
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom