You see an email from Microsoft, and your first thought is: safe to open, right? No red flags.

But what if that email isn't from Microsoft … at all?

Scammers love using trusted brand names to fool unsuspecting victims. And right now, Microsoft is the world’s most impersonated brand in phishing attacks. In early 2025 alone, 36% of brand-related phishing scams surfaced under "Microsoft"—more than any other company. Google and Apple followed closely. Together, these tech giants accounted for over 50% of phishing attempts.

So, what’s going on—and how can Metro Atlanta business owners protect themselves?

What Is Phishing—and Why Is It Getting Worse?

Phishing is when cybercriminals masquerade as trusted entities (like Microsoft or your bank), to trick you into clicking a malicious link, sharing sensitive credentials, or downloading malware. The consequences can be disastrous: financial loss, identity theft, or severe reputational damage.

Even advanced business owners in Acworth, Canton, or Cartersville are at risk because modern phishing emails are slicker and more believable than ever. Hackers copy real logos, spoof legitimate domain names, and even mirror the look of your favorite apps.

That sophistication means vigilance is no longer optional—it’s essential.

How to Spot a Phishing Email from Microsoft

Stay sharp—not alarmed—by slowing down and verifying before you click. Here’s what to look for:

  • Urgency and fear tactics: Warnings that say, “Click now or your account will be locked!” are classic warning signs.
  • Subtle email address tweaks: Something like com (notice the zero?) instead of microsoft.com is a trick scammers use.
  • Embedded links: Avoid clicking links from emails you can't verify. Instead, manually type the official website address into your browser.

Protecting Your Metro Atlanta Business Against Phishing

Phishing scams aren’t going away—they’re evolving. Here's how to stay ahead:

  1. Educate your team regularly—from Acworth to Canton, awareness is the first line of defense.
  2. Use layered protection, including phishing-resistant MFA with secure protocols like FIDO2 or passkeys.
  3. Deploy advanced email filtering solutions to block suspicious senders or phishing content.

Stay Safe, Stay Secure with Custom Technologies, Inc.

At Custom Technologies, Inc., we provide cybersecurity tools and training to help small and mid-sized businesses throughout Metro Atlanta safeguard their networks and data from phishing threats.

Let us manage your network so you can manage your business.

📞 Ready to upgrade your defenses or train your team on phishing awareness? Get in touch today.