Check Point’s latest Brand Phishing Report for Q1 2026 shows that Microsoft remains the most exploited brand in phishing attacks worldwide. With 22 percent of all phishing attempts targeting users globally, the report confirms a clear trend: cybercriminals are focusing on digital identities and cloud-based services.
Security firm Check Point Software has released its Brand Phishing Report for the first quarter of 2026. Microsoft retains first place, accounting for 22 percent of all phishing attacks globally. The company’s long-running top position highlights how consistently attackers exploit trusted platforms.
Phishing remains one of the most common entry points into organizations. The report documents how attackers routinely impersonate well-known brands to trick users into handing over login credentials. Behind Microsoft, Apple accounts for 11 percent and Google for 9 percent. Amazon and LinkedIn also rank highly, reflecting how both consumer services and workplace platforms are used as gateways to sensitive information.
The four most impersonated brands together represent nearly half of all attacks. The technology sector continues to dominate, followed by social media and financial services. This distribution underscores that digital identities and cloud services are among the most valuable targets for attackers.
Several advanced campaigns were observed during the quarter. In one scheme, long misleading URLs were used to mimic Microsoft’s sign-in portal and harvest credentials. Another campaign abused WhatsApp by tricking users into scanning a QR code, which gave attackers access to their accounts. Fake online stores and tampered software downloads were also used to commit fraud and distribute malware.
The trend is driven by the increasing number of services linked to a single digital identity. A compromised account can open the door to email, collaboration tools, and business-critical information, making phishing an effective first step in broader attack chains.
“Microsoft’s continued top position shows how central identities and cloud services have become for attackers,” says Oskar Rödin, security expert at Check Point Software. “We also see platforms such as LinkedIn increasing in importance, signaling a heightened focus on corporate environments. Reducing risk requires proactive security measures that integrate threat intelligence and protections across the entire digital workplace.”
Most impersonated companies in Q1 2026
- Microsoft – 22%
- Apple – 11%
- Google – 9%
- Amazon – 7%
- LinkedIn – 6%
- Dropbox – 2%
- Facebook – 2%
- WhatsApp – 1%
- Tesla – 1%
- YouTube – 1%
The report is based on data from Check Point Research and their global threat platform ThreatCloud.
A more detailed overview is available on Check Point’s blog.