The document summarizes common subject lines used in phishing emails. It lists popular email subjects about password resets, orders, documents to sign, account issues and more. These types of emails prey on human psychology by creating a sense of urgency or curiosity to get people to act before thinking critically. Hackers also send emails about remaining security-minded or notifications about social media activity to trigger clicks. The goal is to get users to reveal sensitive information or install malware.

1. COMMON "IN THE WILD" ATTACKS
• Apple: You recently requested a password reset for your Apple ID
• Employee Satisfaction Survey
• Sharepoint: You Have Received 2 New Fax Messages
• Your Support Ticket is Closing
• Docusign: You've received a Document for Signature
• ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter Account Suspended
• IT System Support
• Amazon: Your Order Summary
• Office 365: Suspicious Activity Report
• Squarespace: Account billing failure
SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING | WWW.KNOWBE4.COM
TOP 10GENERAL EMAIL SUBJECTS
KEY TAKEAWAY
The desire to receive communications intended for the individual is strong. The
potential of something being wrong and/or at risk also plays into the human psyche,
leaving the individual to think that he/she must act immediately to resolve the issue.
These types of attacks are effective because they cause a person to react before
thinking logically about the legitimacy of the email.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Hackers are playing into employees' desires to remain security minded. There's also
an intrigue of mystery that often makes people curious enough to click (i.e., new
voicemail, order on the way). Password management is a popular way to get people
to click on a link.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The curiosity and feeling of importance that a tagged photo, profile view or
endorsement can sail past an individual's normal defenses. Other alerts that
contain warning types of messages can bring about feelings of alarm and cause an
individual to make a panicked decision. And everyone loves free pizza!
Q42018
TOP SOCIAL MEDIA EMAIL SUBJECTS
Password Check Required Immediately
Your Order with Amazon.com/Your Amazon Order Receipt
Announcement: Change in Holiday Schedule
Happy Holidays! Have a drink on us.
Problem with the Bank Account
De-activation of [[email]] in Process
Wire Department
Revised Vacation & Sick Time Policy
Last reminder: please respond immediately
UPS Label Delivery 1ZBE312TNY00015011
19%
16%
11%
10%
8%
8%
8%
7%
6%
6%
PhishingPhishing
Top-Clicked
TESTS
39%
LinkedIn
18%
Facebook
10%
55th Anniversary
and Free Pizza
9%
Login alert for Chrome
on Motorola Moto X
6%
New Voice Message
At 1:23AM
6%
Your Friend Tagged
a Photo of You
6%
Your password was
successfully reset
4%
Secure your
Account
3%
You have a new
unread message!
“Profile Views“
“Add Me“
“Join My Network“
“New Endorsements“
“Primary Email Change“
“Password
Change“