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:

• 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.

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.