Phishing has once again proven to be the leading cyber threat in 2025. In Q1 alone, the APWG logged 1,003,924 phishing attacks, the highest number since late 2023. Compared to 2023, weekly phishing volumes have jumped 180%, while the use of infostealers distributed through phishing emails rose by 84% in 2024.

The takeaway is clear: phishing is no longer a background issue. It’s a direct path to credential theft, account compromise, and business disruption. Atlaslive’s Information Security Lead, Maksym Shapoval, shares why phishing attacks remain so damaging and what companies can do to defend against them.

Phishing in 2025: The Persistent Threat

Phishing works because it’s simple. Attackers impersonate trusted sources to trick victims into giving away passwords, card details, or personal data. These campaigns now arrive through email, SMS (“smishing”), and even voice calls (“vishing”), and many are indistinguishable from legitimate corporate messages.

Major Incidents This Summer

Recent events illustrate phishing’s reach:

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• Google — A phishing chain starting with Salesforce CRM led to data exposure.
• Cisco — Hit by voice phishing that gave attackers access to client data.
• Booking — Targeted by ongoing campaigns since late 2024.
• UK Tax Authority — £47 million lost, with 100,000 people affected.

These cases show that no sector is immune. Phishing remains the universal entry point for cybercrime.

iGaming in the Spotlight

The iGaming industry, already under strict regulation, faced its own high-profile breach in July 2025. One of the largest global betting groups confirmed a cyberattack that exposed 800,000 user records—including IP addresses, emails, and activity logs.

“The incident underscores why iGaming platforms are prime targets,” says Maksym Shapoval, Information Security Lead at Atlaslive. “They operate entirely online, process constant financial transactions, and handle vast volumes of personal data. The risks of social engineering attacks in this industry are significant.”

For operators, phishing protection must be built into platform security, staff awareness, and incident response. Even without stolen payment details, personal information alone can trigger damaging follow-up attacks.

How Businesses Can Defend Themselves: Tips from Atlaslive

Phishing exploits people as much as technology. A strong defense requires multiple layers:

• Authentication and Access Control — Enforce 2FA, limit privileges, use network segmentation, require dual approval for sensitive operations, and run regular audits.
• Email and Domain Security — Deploy DMARC, DKIM, and SPF; monitor lookalike domains; flag external emails.
• Endpoint Protection — Secure devices with MDM/EDR tools, monitor browsing activity.
• Incident Preparedness — Centralize reporting, define clear runbooks, notify staff quickly, and block malicious senders system-wide.
• Awareness and Training — Regular staff training, phishing simulations, and a culture of quick reporting.
• Governance — Make phishing defense a permanent part of company policy and audit it continuously.

Small, consistent measures across these areas drastically reduce both the chance of a successful phishing attack and the damage it can cause.

Conclusion

The summer of 2025 confirmed that phishing is still the launchpad for many of the world’s most serious cyber incidents — from global tech firms to public institutions and iGaming platforms. These attacks are growing sharper, more targeted, and more damaging.

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For companies handling sensitive data and transactions, security cannot be treated as optional. Defending against phishing requires layered authentication, email controls, endpoint protection, training, and response plans. The businesses that prioritize resilience today will be the ones best equipped to safeguard their customers, their reputation, and their future.

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

Kaizen Gaming, one of the biggest and fastest-growing GameTech companies worldwide, announces the appointment of Vassilis Gavroglou as Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 2,700 people of over 40 nationalities across 19 countries, the new CHRO will be responsible for shaping Kaizen Gaming’s HR strategy during a period of dynamic growth and expansion of the company’s global footprint.

Vassilis Gavroglou is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of international experience in sectors such as energy, technology, banking and consulting. He has served, among other roles, as Chief Human Resources Officer at Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems, as HR Executive Director at OTE Group, member of Telekom Group, and Group HR Strategy Director at the National Bank of Greece.  He holds degrees from the Athens University of Economics and Business and the London School of Economics.

The CEO of Kaizen Gaming, George Daskalakis, commented: “People have always been at the heart of our company, and we know that long-term success starts with taking care of our own. In less than a decade, Kaizen Gaming has grown from just a few dozen people in Greece to a thousands-strong international brigade while maintaining strong growth every year. This rapid expansion brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as we keep a firm eye on preserving and strengthening our people-first culture across our global footprint. With Vassilis joining as CHRO, a leader with deep expertise in transformation and talent development, I am confident we will enhance our people strategy and further support our international growth ambitions.”

The newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, Vassilis Gavroglou, added: “I am excited to join Kaizen Gaming, a company that not only innovates in technology but has been recognised as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Europe and has been certified as a Great Place to Work in many countries. The rapid expansion of the company into new markets creates a unique opportunity to build on a culture that invests in the development of its people and continues to attract the best in a rapidly changing technological backdrop. Further strengthening the high levels of people engagement, talent development and the digitalisation of HR operations are key to supporting Kaizen Gaming’s vision for sustainable innovation and global growth.”

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Kaizen Gaming continues to be recognised as one of Europe’s and LATAM`s most attractive employers, being certified as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for™ in Europe 2024 and as Great Place to Work in both European and South American countries, including Brazil and Colombia. The company counts more than 700 software engineers in six technology hubs and over 90 agile teams developing pioneering online gaming products.

With technology and people at its core, Kaizen Gaming is preparing to move to the next stage of its international growth.

Make-A-Wish® International, the world’s leading wish-granting organization, is excited to announce a special collaboration with 2TG Entertainment that brings the magic of wishes to life inside the nostalgic and innovative pixel art RPG, To The Grave: The Hunters of Faenora. Together, they are introducing Tendybear, a magical healer born from the wish of a child, whose presence in the FaenoraVerse symbolizes the power of hope, love, and resilience. Every Tendybear purchased will directly support Make-A-Wish, with 100% of proceeds helping grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world.

April Stallings, Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager at Make-A-Wish International, commented:

“Tendybear is a beautiful representation of the lasting impact of a wish. This collaboration allows players to not only experience a heartfelt story within the game but also contribute to granting more wishes for children who need hope and joy the most.”

Tendybear is a powerful support hero with extraordinary healing abilities. His story is woven into the FaenoraVerse as a magical guardian, brought to life through a wish that transcends worlds. He will be available for purchase and play in Fall 2025, coinciding with the beta launch of Hunters of Faenora, a high-stakes RPG featuring an innovative, sustainable, closed-loop game economy with optional web3 functionality.

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Nathan Montgomery, CEO of 2TG Entertainment, commented:

“Tendybear isn’t just another hero in the FaenoraVerse – he represents something truly special, Make-A-Wish has an incredible mission and it’s an absolute honor to bring this collaboration to life. We’re thrilled to offer a unique way for our players to support such an impactful organization while experiencing a character that embodies healing, kindness and selflessness amidst the chaos. Now seems the perfect time to introduce Tendybear to the world.”

With only a limited number of Tendybear heroes available, players will have the chance to own a truly special and meaningful piece of the FaenoraVerse, while making a real-world difference for children with critical illnesses and their families around the globe.