The Shocking Reality: Phishing Attacks Are Skyrocketing
Did you know that 90% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email? According to recent reports, businesses face an increase of 65% in phishing attacks year over year—and it’s only getting worse. Now, with the latest Astaroth phishing kit, hackers don’t even need to be highly skilled or sophisticated to bypass your security measures. They just need to spend $2,000, have an internet connection, and your business can lose $100,000 from a business email compromise (BEC).
That’s right—hacking tools that were once reserved for elite cybercriminals are now available for purchase online, complete with customer support and success guarantees. If your business relies on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect email logins, you need to understand how this attack works and why it’s a growing risk to small businesses like yours.
How Hackers Are Bypassing MFA and Taking Over Your Email
For years, businesses were told that enabling MFA would keep their email accounts safe from cybercriminals. But hackers have found a way to bypass it.
The Astaroth phishing kit uses reverse proxy servers to trick users into thinking they’re logging into legitimate Microsoft or Google accounts. Here’s how it works:
- The Setup: A hacker sends an email with a fake login link disguised as an urgent security alert, invoice, or other business communication.
- The Trap: When the victim clicks, they land on a perfect replica of their usual Microsoft or Google login page.
- Real-Time Interception: The victim enters their credentials, and the hacker’s proxy instantly relays them to the actual Microsoft or Google login system.
- Bypassing MFA: When the user enters their 2FA code, it’s also relayed in real time, giving the hacker full access to their account.
- Total Takeover: The hacker immediately hijacks the account, changes passwords, and gains access to emails, sensitive documents, financial data, and more.
This type of attack is called Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) phishing, and it is rapidly growing because it completely negates the security benefits of MFA.
The Shocking Marketplace: Cybercrime as a Service
This isn’t just a one-time breach—it’s an entire business model.
Cybercriminals are selling these phishing kits for as little as $2,000, offering guaranteed results to buyers. Some underground vendors even provide technical support, user guides, and refund policies—just like a legitimate software business.
For comparison, what does $2,000 get a hacker?
- A fully automated phishing system
- Custom-built templates mimicking Microsoft and Google logins
- Bypass methods for MFA protections
- Tools to manage stolen credentials
- 24/7 support for "customers" who need help launching attacks
The result? Even amateur hackers can now run sophisticated phishing campaigns.
The Real Risks for Small Businesses
You might think, "We train our employees not to click on phishing emails." But hackers are getting smarter, more convincing, and more relentless.
Here’s why small businesses are especially vulnerable:
- Employees are the weakest link. Even one distracted moment can lead to a catastrophic breach.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are skyrocketing. Hackers use stolen credentials to impersonate executives and wire money, change payroll details, or trick clients into fraudulent payments.
- MFA is no longer a fail-safe. If hackers can bypass it, businesses need newer, stronger protections to stay ahead.
The Solutions That Stop These Attacks Cold
If MFA alone isn’t enough, what will actually protect your business?
- Phishing-Resistant MFA (Hardware Security Keys): Stop relying on SMS codes and authenticator apps! The best protection is hardware-based MFA like YubiKeys, which require physical authentication that hackers can’t intercept remotely.
- Advanced Email Monitoring & Threat Detection: Attackers rely on phishing emails. The best way to stop them is before they ever reach your inbox.
- Our Sentinel for Microsoft 365 and Advanced Security Solution monitor account access to detect and shut down unauthorized account takeovers before damage is done.
- AI-driven anomaly detection flags suspicious logins and unauthorized access attempts in real time.
- M365 Conditional Access & Login Restrictions: Lock down your login security:
- Restrict logins to trusted locations so hackers using stolen credentials from foreign IP addresses are blocked automatically.
- Monitor account access to detect and shut down unauthorized logins before damage is done.
- Continuous Employee Training & Phishing Simulations: Even with technology in place, employee awareness is critical.
- Simulated phishing campaigns test real-world responses and help employees learn to spot sophisticated threats.
- Live cybersecurity training educates staff on the latest hacker tactics.
Cybersecurity Must Keep Evolving
Cybercriminals are constantly innovating, using business models that mimic legitimate companies. They improve their tools, automate attacks, and make it easier for anyone to become a hacker.
The only way to stay ahead is to upgrade your cybersecurity strategy continuously.
A successful BEC will often cost a small business over $100,000, but for larger organizations the average is $5 Million. If you’re not taking steps now to protect against these attacks, you’re leaving your business open to devastating financial losses.
Don’t wait until your business is hacked. Take action today.
Schedule a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment with Computerease now to see if your business is vulnerable to phishing attacks and MFA bypass techniques.
Hackers are getting smarter. Are you?
