The most impersonated brand in the world? Microsoft.

If you got an email from Microsoft right now, would you hesitate before clicking it?

Most people wouldn’t. Microsoft is one of the most trusted names in business tech. It’s everywhere—email, Teams, Office, your cloud login. But that trust is exactly why cybercriminals love to impersonate it.

In early 2025, 36% of phishing attacks that impersonated a brand used Microsoft’s name and logo. That’s more than one in three. Google and Apple rounded out the top three, making up over half of all brand-related phishing attacks combined.

Why phishing works so well—especially for small businesses

Phishing is a type of scam where attackers send fake emails that look like they’re from a company you trust. These messages try to get you to:

• Click a malicious link

• Open an infected attachment

• Share private information (like login credentials or credit card details)

Unfortunately, these scams have become incredibly sophisticated. Logos look legit. The language feels familiar. Email addresses are cleverly spoofed—"micros0ft.com" instead of “microsoft.com,” for example.

Even seasoned professionals get caught off guard. The stakes for SMBs? Compromised systems, exposed client data, financial losses, and insurance headaches.

How to spot a fake Microsoft email (or any phishing attempt)

Here’s what you and your team should watch for:

• Urgent language like “Act now or your account will be locked.”

• Subtle misspellings in email addresses or website links.

• Unexpected attachments or login requests.

• Emails asking for credentials or sensitive information out of the blue.

When in doubt, don’t click. Instead, open your browser and go to the company’s site manually to check your account or verify the message.

What your business can do right now

Phishing scams are getting smarter, but so can your defenses:

• Slow down and double-check—especially with financial or sensitive data.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect key systems.

• Invest in the right cybersecurity stack (email filters, endpoint protection, phishing simulations).

• Train your staff on how to spot phishing threats—they’re your first line of defense.

Final thought

At Big Water Technologies, we help SMBs in accounting, legal, and healthcare fields stay a step ahead of today’s threats—without overcomplicating IT. Phishing scams are evolving, but so are the protections that can stop them.

Let’s talk about how we can help you keep your team sharp and your systems secure.
Contact us today