Email security: threat trends in the third quarter of 2026
Microsoft Threat Intelligence analyzes email threat trends recorded between July and September 2026, highlighting the increase in phishing.
During the third quarter of 2026, specifically in the period between the months of July and September, Microsoft Threat Intelligence detected rapid and strong growth in phishing activities delivered via email, with a peak recorded right towards the end of the quarter.
The analysis of cyber threats shows different dynamics depending on the techniques used by attackers. On one hand, a decline in QR code-based phishing was observed. Conversely, phishing operations protected or hidden by CAPTCHA-type verifications showed a recovery.
Finally, the investigation highlighted how malicious messages spoofing sender domains associated with well-known corporate services underscored the risks connected to the use of bypasses or overrides of security settings.