Fake Tools and Real Consequences: Why Hackers Love Productivity
Small and midsize businesses are being hit by a new kind of cyberattack, one that disguises itself as productivity. According to new research from Kaspersky, attackers are impersonating some of the most widely used tools in the workplace, including Zoom, Microsoft Office, and ChatGPT.
These fake apps are not rare outliers. Kaspersky tracked more than 4,000 unique malicious files disguised as legitimate software. In total, over 8,500 businesses have already been affected in 2025. And the numbers are growing.
This type of attack works because it blends in. Hackers are betting that people will not question a file labeled “Zoom Update” or a prompt to log into a fake Microsoft Teams page. The more trusted and familiar the tool, the more likely someone will click without thinking twice.
In fact, the more a tool dominates headlines, the more likely it is to be spoofed. Cybercriminals are exploiting this hype cycle, knowing that urgency and familiarity lead to careless mistakes. ChatGPT-related phishing rose 115 percent this year. Fake downloads of Zoom increased by 13 percent. Microsoft Teams saw a 100 percent spike.
This is not just about malware. It is about how trust is built and weaponized.
Many small businesses lack clear procedures for adopting software. Few enforce rules around downloads, email links, or cloud access. And most workers assume tools that “look right” must be safe.
That assumption is exactly what attackers count on.
Kaspersky’s recommendation is not complicated: set strict policies for software installation, define who can access what, and run regular backups. Just as importantly, teach employees how to spot suspicious links and verify sources, even for apps they use every day.
This new wave of attacks is not just technical. It is psychological. It preys on routine, speed, and the illusion of productivity.