Why HR Emails Are the Perfect Phishing Bait

If you thought HR was here to help, think again — phishers are betting on your fear of them.

Phishers have discovered a potent weapon: your fear of HR. According to a report from KnowBe4, emails pretending to be from HR departments are among the most effective phishing tactics.

Subject lines like “Please update W4” or “Dress code changes” are designed to exploit employee anxieties, compelling them to click before thinking. These phishing attacks rely on triggering emotions like urgency, confusion, or fear to bypass logical thinking, making them incredibly effective.

As phishing evolves, even QR codes are now being used to deceive, taking advantage of the trust people place in these simple, scannable symbols. The report also highlights that the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are prime targets, along with energy and financial services.

The takeaway? In a world where even your HR department might be an imposter, it’s crucial to double-check before you click — your job security might just depend on it.

Read the full article on Phishers have figured out that everyone is afraid of HR.

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