Beware - Is that Microsoft… or a phishing attempt?

Understanding the Threat

When you get an email from Microsoft, you probably don’t think twice about opening it. After all, it’s Microsoft — one of the biggest, most trusted tech companies in the world. But what if that email isn’t from Microsoft at all? Cyber criminals love using trusted brands to trick people, and right now, Microsoft is the most impersonated company in the world when it comes to phishing scams.

In fact, new research shows that 36% of brand-related phishing attacks in early 2025 were pretending to be Microsoft. That’s a huge number. Google and Apple were next on the list. Together, the three tech giants made up more than half of all phishing scams. So, what’s going on? And more importantly, how can you keep your business safe? Blowfish Technology IT Support Services is here to help you understand the risks and protect yourself.

What is Phishing? Understanding the Threat

Phishing is when a cyber criminal sends you a fake email, text, or message that looks like it’s from a real company—one you know and trust. The goal is to get you to click on a malicious link, open harmful attachments, or hand over sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or even your full identity.

Once you fall for a phishing scam, the consequences can be severe: stolen money, hacked systems, confidential data leaks, and a world of pain for your business. The worst part is that phishing emails are getting smarter. Today’s scammers use professionally designed logos, set up fake websites that look exactly like the real thing, and even spoof email addresses to make it seem like the message really is coming from Microsoft, Google, or Apple.

Why Microsoft is the Biggest Target

Microsoft’s products and services power millions of businesses and individuals worldwide. That widespread trust makes Microsoft a prime target for cyber criminals who want to exploit users’ faith in the brand to trick them. Recent spikes in Microsoft-related phishing attacks suggest scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, vastly increasing the risk of falling victim.

Moreover, Microsoft’s wide reach into email, office software, cloud services, and user accounts means a successful attack can unveil a treasure trove of valuable data—making these phishing scams even more lucrative for criminals.

How to Spot a Phishing Email from Microsoft

Recognising suspicious emails is the first line of defence in protecting your business. Here are some key tips from Blowfish Technology IT support Services to separate genuine Microsoft emails from phishing attempts:

  • Beware of urgent language: Real emails from companies like Microsoft will never pressure you into immediate action with threats such as “click this link immediately or your account will be locked.” This aggressive tone is a major red flag.

  • Check the sender’s email address carefully: A scammer may use a very similar-looking address—like “micros0ft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”. These small tweaks are easy to miss but crucial to catch.

  • Don’t click links directly from suspicious emails: Always type Microsoft’s official website address manually into your browser rather than following a link from an uncertain email.

  • Look for inconsistencies: Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or strange formatting might indicate a phishing attempt.

  • Verify unexpected attachments: Don’t open any unexpected files, especially if they prompt for macros or software installation.

Protecting Your Business Against Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are only going to get more convincing as cyber criminals develop more sophisticated tactics. It’s vital to stay alert and implement robust cyber security measures. Here’s how Blowfish Technology IT Support Services can help you keep your business secure:

  • Invest in strong cyber security tools: From spam filters to antivirus software, having the right technology reduces risk.

  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA requires two forms of ID to log in, not just a password, making it much harder for hackers to gain access.

  • Educate your team: Regular cyber security training helps employees recognise phishing attempts and respond appropriately.

  • Regularly update software: Keeping systems and applications up to date plugs vulnerabilities that cyber criminals exploit.

The more trusted the brand, the bigger the target it becomes for scammers. Microsoft, as one of the world’s most respected tech giants, is facing an unprecedented wave of phishing attempts, making it essential for individuals and businesses alike to remain vigilant. That email that looks like it’s from Microsoft? It might just be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Being cautious might feel like a hassle sometimes, but it’s nothing compared to the headache and damage of dealing with a cyber attack. If you want peace of mind and robust protection against phishing threats, Blowfish Technology IT Support Services, IT Support UrmstonIT Support WilmslowIT Support NorthwichIT Support Knutsford, IT Support Birkenhead can help you and your team stay much better protected—and more vigilant.

Get in touch with us today to safeguard your business from the growing threat of phishing scams masquerading as Microsoft emails.




Contact Blowfish Technology