Booking.com Phishing Campaign: What You Need to Know

Phishing attacks keep evolving, and so do the tactics cyber criminals use to trick even the most vigilant users. The recent ClickFix campaign, detailed by Cofense, highlights how attackers are now spoofing trusted brands like Booking.com to spread malware via convincing email lures.

This post breaks down the Booking.com phishing campaign, why it’s effective, and what you can do to protect your inbox and organization.

Booking.com phishing campaign - How the ClickFix Campaign Works

The ClickFix campaign starts with emails that appear to come from Booking.com, complete with familiar branding and legitimate looking sender addresses. These emails inform recipients about a fake reservation or urgent account issue, prompting them to click a link to resolve the supposed problem.

However, the link leads to a malicious site or file download. Victims who click are exposed to malware potentially giving attackers access to sensitive data, financial information, or control of the victim’s device. This is often the case in a Booking.com phishing campaign.

Why Is This Phishing Tactic So Effective?

Brand Trust: Many users recognize and trust Booking.com, making them less suspicious of communications from the brand.
Compelling Lures: The emails often contain urgent language, missed bookings, payment issues, or account security problems pressuring users to act quickly.
Convincing Details: Use of legitimate logos, templates, and spoofed domains make the emails seem authentic.
Bypassing Basic Defenses: The campaign may use compromised websites, short links, or file sharing platforms to evade email filters and security scanners. The Booking.com phishing campaign demonstrates this strategy effectively.

How to Spot and Stop Booking.com Phishing Emails

Check Sender and Links Carefully

Always hover over sender addresses and links before clicking. Look for subtle misspellings or mismatched domains.

Don’t Trust Urgency or Threats

Phishing emails often use fear or urgency to trick you. If something seems suspicious, verify directly with the company using known contact details.

Use Advanced Email Security Tools

Employ anti phishing solutions, sandboxing, and robust endpoint protection to catch new threats.

Educate Your Users

Regularly train staff and family to recognize the latest phishing lures, including Booking.com themed scams.

Booking.com phishing campaign - The Bigger Picture: Why Phishing Keeps Succeeding

Even as email security improves, attackers keep finding new ways to bypass defenses. Social engineering, brand impersonation, and rapid campaign innovation mean no solution is foolproof. The best defense against Booking.com phishing campaigns is a combination of technology, training, and vigilance.