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
New Industry Study Finds Quantum Computing Has Entered a Capability Era, With Early Movers Building an Advantage Later Entrants Will Struggle to Close18.6.2026 09:00:00 CEST | Press release
State of Quantum 2026, based on tracked transaction data, a survey of 107 practitioners, and 19 interviews, finds 89% of enterprises surveyed are now hands-on with quantum but only 3% have reached scaled deployment, as the market shifts from accessing quantum systems to building capability around them. Quantum computing has moved past the question of whether organizations can access a quantum system and onto whether they can build something useful around one. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260618639340/en/ State of Quantum 2026 is based on independently conducted research and analysis, authored by The Quantum Insider (Resonance), published by IQM Quantum Computers, and supported by OpenOcean. According to the State of Quantum 2026, the fourth annual industry study published today by IQM Quantum Computers, which is nearing its planned listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market through its merger with Real Asse
Climate Clock Public Art Trail Opens Across Oulu18.6.2026 08:45:00 CEST | Press release
A major contemporary public art trail exploring climate, time and nature has opened across the Oulu region in Northern Finland as part of Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture. The permanent Climate Clock art trail brings together seven internationally recognised artists in site-specific works across forests, rivers, coastlines, urban environments and cultural heritage sites. The works reflect on climate change and different perceptions of time through sculpture, ceramics, natural materials, sound and kinetic forms. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260617018262/en/ Antti Laitinen – You Are Here (2026), Maija Laitinen/Oulu2026 Already attracting international attention, Climate Clock offers a new public art experience connecting art, science and the northern landscape across the region. The trail opened to the public on 13 June 2026 across six locations: Yli-Ii, Oulu city centre, Ylikiiminki, Oulunsalo, Kiiminki
JTB to Acquire Asian DMC Leader EXO Travel for Accelerated Global Growth18.6.2026 04:00:00 CEST | Press release
— Advancing JTB's “Departing Globally, Arriving Globally” Vision — JTB Corp. today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire all the shares of All Wise Holdings Pte. Ltd., the operator of Bangkok-based EXO Travel Group, a leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in Asia. The acquisition will be made through a JTB group company in the Asia-Pacific region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260615106801/en/ EXO Travel operates in the B2B market, primarily across Asia Pacific. For over 30 years, it has consistently maintained high customer satisfaction based on trust, achievements and high-quality service. The company has a strong brand presence in the affluent markets of Europe, North America and Australia, where the trust of partner companies contributes significantly to its value. Additionally, EXO Travel leverages its extensive network of destinations in Asia Pacific to develop strong products
LabGenius Therapeutics and LG Chem Enter a Research Collaboration, Option and License Agreement to Develop an AI/ML-Designed Tumour-Targeting Antibody18.6.2026 01:01:00 CEST | Press release
The companies have entered into a multi-year research collaboration, option and licensing agreement in which LabGenius Therapeutics will leverage its AI/ML-driven antibody discovery platform,EVA™, to design and engineer next-generation multispecifics with enhanced therapeutic properties LabGenius Therapeutics will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and potential early milestones, plus, if the option is exercised, potential triple-digit million clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones, along with royalties on net sales LabGenius Therapeutics (“LabGenius”), a drug discovery company combining machine learning (ML) and high-throughput experimentation to optimise therapeutic antibodies, today announced a multi-year research collaboration, option and licensing agreement with LG Chem. The collaboration aims to identify next-generation multispecific antibodies designed to overcome the key limitations of existing immunotherapies, including on-target, off-tumour toxicities. Together,
Joe Vernachio Named President of SOREL18.6.2026 00:00:00 CEST | Press release
Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced that Joe Vernachio will be the next President of SOREL. Founded in 1962, SOREL is a leader in functional and lifestyle footwear that can be worn anywhere from the tundra to the streets of New York City. “We’re excited to welcome Joe Vernachio back to the Columbia Sportswear family,” said Tim Boyle, CEO and Chair of the Board. “Joe is a terrific leader who can build on the great work, talent and momentum in place at SOREL.” Mr. Vernachio led the Mountain Hardwear brand for several years, until he left to become the COO and ultimately, the CEO of Allbirds. His background also includes time as Global Vice President for Product and Operations at The North Face, and key roles at Nike, Spyder, Roots, Calvin Klein and Patagonia. “Joe is a consumer‑focused, collaborative leader with a deep passion for product and brand storytelling. His energy, experti
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