Malicious actors manipulate PDF files to falsely represent well-known brands such as Microsoft and PayPal in a fresh fraudulent operation.
## Unveiling the Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD) Phishing Method
In a modern-day digital landscape, a new and sophisticated phishing method known as Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD) is causing concern among cybersecurity experts. This method, which leverages phone calls to deceive victims, is particularly effective due to the trust people often place in phone communications.
### How TOAD Operates
TOAD attacks typically begin with an initial contact via a phone call, where the attackers impersonate representatives from well-known organizations or companies. They then employ various tactics to gain the trust of the victim, such as providing fake account information, claiming urgent issues, or offering fake services. The ultimate goal is to trick the victim into revealing sensitive information, like login credentials, financial details, or other personal data, or to persuade them to download malware or engage in other malicious activities.
### The Impact on Enterprises
TOAD attacks pose a significant threat to enterprises. They can lead to unauthorized access to company data, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage. If malware is installed, it can compromise the security of the company's network, leading to further vulnerabilities and potential ransomware attacks. To mitigate these risks, enterprises must invest in employee training to recognize and respond to such attacks effectively, emphasizing vigilance and awareness about phishing tactics. Additionally, implementing robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication and regular network monitoring can help protect against TOAD attacks.
### Mitigation Strategies
To protect against TOAD attacks, enterprises should:
1. **Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** Mandate 2FA for all access to sensitive systems. 2. **Conduct Regular Security Audits:** Regularly assess the network and systems for vulnerabilities. 3. **Educate Employees:** Provide ongoing training on recognizing phishing attempts, including TOAD attacks. 4. **Use Secure Communication Channels:** Ensure that all communication channels are secure and verified.
Cybercriminals have been using PDF attachments to impersonate major brands like Microsoft, DocuSign, Dropbox, PayPal, and Adobe for phishing campaigns. This method, called 'callback phishing', does not rely on traditional techniques such as using fake websites or phishing links. In one example, the threat actor used the subject line 'Paycheck Increment', strategically timed for periods when promotions or merit changes were likely to occur in various organizations.
Statistics published in the phishing report showed that 76.4% of attacks now employ "polymorphic features" to evade detection, and the PDF-based impersonations represent another key tactic. The impersonation of trusted brands and the use of direct voice communication make this attack a particular concern for enterprises.
In many cases, QR codes were used in phishing emails with PDF payloads, redirecting victims to a phishing page which is often protected by some form of CAPTCHA. This technique easily evades email filters and detection engines that rely on textual features and keywords, unless preceded by optical character recognition (OCR) analysis.
Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, stated that the campaign exploits people's tendency to comply with authority figures, highlighting the importance of robust staff training and awareness. Attackers use live interactions during phone calls to manipulate victims' emotions and responses using social engineering tactics.
[1] Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense's brand impersonation detection engine revealed that Microsoft, DocuSign, NortonLifeLock, PayPal, and Geek Squad were among the most frequently impersonated brands in phishing emails with PDF attachments. [2] Similarly, in TOAD emails with PDF attachments, NortonLifeLock, PayPal, and Geek Squad were among the most impersonated brands. [3] The 2025 Phishing Threat Trends Report reveals that 62.6% of phishing attacks now use brand display impersonation to establish credibility.
- The sophisticated Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD) method, which operates by impersonating representatives from well-known organizations, is highly concerning in the realm of cybersecurity, especially given that it takes advantage of the general-news that people often trust phone communications more than they should.
- In an enterprise setting, where cybersecurity is paramount, it's crucial to implement measures such as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), conduct regular security audits, educate employees about phishing tactics like TOAD, and use secure communication channels to counter the growing threat of cybercrime, including the use of PDF attachments in phishing campaigns aimed at impersonating trusted brands like Microsoft, DocuSign, PayPal, and others, a trend that's increasingly common in crime-and-justice activities.
