Cybersecurity Pulse: Monthly Insights by DTC

Cyber threats evolve fast - and knowledge is your best defense. Each month, we bring you three key insights to help your business stay secure, savvy, and one step ahead of cyber threats.

Google Blocks 5.1B Harmful Ads & Suspends 39.2M Accounts

In 2024, Google’s AI-driven systems blocked 5.1 billion harmful ads and suspended over 39 million advertiser accounts. These efforts focus on identifying red flags like impersonation and sketchy payment details to stop ad fraud before it spreads.

Why it matters: If Google’s platforms are targeted, your business could be too. Stay alert to online impersonation and ad-based scams.

Phishing Gets Smarter with Real-Time Email Validation

Attackers are now using “Precision-Validated Phishing” - a technique that checks if your email address is real before sending the attack. This targeted approach boosts their success rates by skipping inactive or fake accounts.

Why it matters: Spear-phishing is evolving. Strong email filters and employee training are more important than ever.

Quishing: The Rise of QR Code Scams

“Quishing” (QR code phishing) is gaining popularity as attackers exploit our trust in QR codes. Scanning an unsafe code could lead to credential theft, malware downloads, or phishing websites.

Why it matters: QR codes are everywhere - but not all of them are safe. Train your team to scan with caution.