It’s 2025, and yet—phishing is still a thing.
You’d think with all the tech advancements, AI-based firewalls, and security awareness programs, phishing would’ve died a slow, quiet death by now. But nope. It’s not only alive, it’s thriving—and evolving. The reason? Because phishing doesn’t attack systems first. It attacks people. And people still click.
But here’s the bigger concern: phishing is among the most prevalent methods endpoints get hacked. And once an endpoint is hacked? It’s open season on your whole network.
Let’s break down why phishing is far from done—and how it remains a go-to attack for cybercriminals after your endpoints.
ALSO READ: How SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) Is Changing Vulnerability Detection
Why Endpoints Are Prime Targets
First, let’s define “endpoints.” Laptops, smartphones, and tablets—any device your team uses to reach business systems. These are always connected, frequently mobile, and sometimes poorly secured.
Now consider a phishing email getting past spam filters and ending up in an inbox. One misstep, and the attacker gains access to that machine. From there, it’s simple to lateral move through your environment—particularly if that machine has stale security patches or weak password hygiene.
That is, your endpoint is the weakest link, and phishing attacks it directly.
Phishing Is Smarter Than Ever
Those days of “Nigerian prince” spams in poor English are long gone. New phishing emails are sophisticated. They tend to:
- Pose as genuine vendors or departments within
- Utilize logos and terminology that echo official messages
- Redirect users to 100%-authentic-looking fake login sites
Cybercriminals are using AI to tailor attacks and increase credibility. And don’t forget SMS phishing (smishing) and voice phishing (vishing)—they’re on the rise too.
If your endpoint security relies on users “just being careful,” you’re already at risk.
Real-World Impact: It’s Not Just Spam
Let’s be clear—this isn’t just an inbox annoyance. Phishing is often the first step in:
- Ransomware attacks
- Credential theft
- Business email compromise (BEC)
- Data exfiltration and compliance violations
In 2024 alone, phishing was responsible for almost 80% of reported cyber breaches worldwide. That’s not a typo. And with remote and hybrid work remaining popular, the attack surface continues to grow.
How to Combat Back: It Begins at the Endpoint
Yes, you do want decent email filters. But that is merely the start. If you genuinely wish to defend against phishing, prioritize endpoint resilience. Here’s how:
1. Use endpoint protection platforms (EPP) and EDR tools
These identify suspicious activity and quarantine infected machines rapidly.
2. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if credentials are compromised, MFA provides a vital second line of defense.
3. Keep software and systems up to date
A fully patched device is much more difficult to exploit—even if it’s been phished.
4. Give realistic phishing training
Simulate phishing attacks on a regular basis. Educate your staff on what to look out for.
5. Segment your network
Don’t let a compromised endpoint lead to total network compromise.
Final Thoughts
Phishing isn’t going away. If anything, it’s getting bolder, sneakier, and more targeted. That’s why endpoint security isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Because it only takes one click to open the floodgates.
So the next time someone says, “Phishing? Isn’t that old news?”—you’ll know better. It’s not dead. It’s just evolving. And your endpoints are still in the crosshairs.
