The Most Common Phishing Attack of 2025
- BAE Networks
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Explaining a Vendor Compromise Attack
Tech Tip Tuesday | BAE Networks - Managed IT Provider in Troy, Michigan
Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making phishing emails harder to detect than ever. As a result, one social engineering attack has rapidly emerged as the top cybersecurity threat to businesses in Metro Detroit and across Michigan in 2025.
It’s called a Vendor Compromise Attack (“VEC”) and, if your business works with outside suppliers, software providers, or service partners (and who doesn’t?), you could be a target of this growing phishing trend.
Andrew, an Internal Services Engineer, explains what business owners need to know and how our managed IT services can help.
What is a Vendor Compromise Attack?
A VEC happens when a legitimate contact you work with is hacked. One of their employees falls victim to a phishing scam, and cybercriminals take control of their email account.
From there, the attacker sends phishing messages to everyone in their address book – including you – spreading the impact.
Why is this attack so convincing?
It comes from a real contact you trust.
It often bypasses email filters because the sender is legitimate.
The messaging seems normal for business communication.
Because of this, vendor compromise attacks have become one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats to small and mid-size businesses across Southeast Michigan.
How a Vendor Compromise Attack Works (Step-by-Step)
The phishing email typically includes a link that looks identical to a Microsoft 365 login page. The threat then unfolds in seconds:
You click the link.
You enter your email and password into the fake login page.
Cybercriminals instantly capture your credentials.
They even intercept multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes, allowing them to bypass your security safeguards completely.
Once they’re in your account, the attack spreads. They impersonate you to target your contacts. They can steal data, money, and system access before anyone notices.
Why Was This the Most Common Phishing Attack of 2025?
Businesses now rely on an extensive network of vendors, cloud applications, and service providers. Cybercriminals realize that breaching one trusted partner can unlock an entire ecosystem of opportunities, including other connected companies.
This social engineering strategy:
Exploits existing business relationships,
Avoids many standard cybersecurity protections, and
Can be incredibly difficult for untrained employees to detect.
That’s why vendor compromise phishing attacks have become the most common phishing attack we’ve seen in 2025.
How BAE Networks Protects Michigan Businesses
Even the strongest cybersecurity tools can miss a phishing email sent from a trusted partner. But with BAE Networks as your Managed IT Service Provider, you’re not in this alone.
Our proactive protection includes:
✓ Microsoft 365 risky sign-in monitoring
✓ Real-time alerts for credential theft
✓ Automatic account lockdown when compromise is suspected
✓ Rapid removal of malicious emails from your entire organization
✓ Security awareness training for employees
As a cybersecurity provider, we use advanced tools and proactive monitoring to protect Michigan businesses from email compromise, phishing, and ransomware attacks.
Don't Let a Vendor Become a Weak Link
Vendor Compromise Attacks may be sneaky, but they’re not unstoppable. With strong cybersecurity policies, advanced threat detection tools, and a trusted IT partner, your business can stay protected.
If your organization relies on dozens of outside partners, now is the time to strengthen your cyber defenses.
Contact BAE Networks today to learn how our cybersecurity services, phishing prevention training, and IT support for Michigan businesses can keep your company safe.
Your security starts with who you trust and ensuring your team is prepared to recognize attack attempts.
