Oct 16, 2026 · Help Net Security
Surge in Phishing Attacks Disguised as Business Opportunities
A significant rise in phishing attacks leveraging RFQ communications has been observed, posing serious risks to businesses and their email security.
What changed
Recent research indicates a dramatic increase in phishing attempts disguised as legitimate business requests, particularly those related to requests for quotations (RFQs). This tactic has seen a 12-fold rise in malicious emails over the past year, highlighting a growing trend in cyber threats targeting business communications.
The majority of these phishing emails lead to credential-stealing pages, putting sensitive company information at risk.
Who is affected
Businesses across various sectors are vulnerable to these phishing attacks, particularly those with active sales and procurement departments.
Organizations that frequently engage in RFQ processes are at heightened risk, as attackers exploit the familiarity of such communications.
- Companies in manufacturing and supply chain sectors.
- Organizations with established procurement processes.
- Businesses utilizing email as a primary communication tool for quotes and proposals.
What to do
Organizations should enhance their email security measures to detect and block phishing attempts. Regular training for employees on recognizing phishing tactics is essential.
Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can provide an additional layer of security against unauthorized access.
- Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees.
- Utilize advanced email filtering solutions to identify and quarantine suspicious messages.
- Encourage reporting of phishing attempts to IT departments for further investigation.