Microsoft has issued a warning to business owners about a rising phishing scam that exploits popular cloud services like SharePoint and OneDrive. Cybercriminals are posing as trusted sources to trick users into revealing login credentials, leading to potential data breaches.

How the Phishing Scam Works

While SharePoint and OneDrive are actively safe platforms, scammers have learned to manipulate privacy settings to bypass security checks. They gain access to cloud storage accounts by either stealing login credentials or purchasing them from the dark web.

Once inside the system, the attackers upload fake files designed to appear legitimate—such as a phony Microsoft 365 login page. These files are typically set to view-only or restricted to certain users, including you and your team, in an attempt to reduce suspicion.

Risks of Phishing Attacks and Malware

Opening these files or clicking links in phishing emails can lead to severe consequences for your business. Cybercriminals can use your stolen information to access your systems, deploy malware, disrupt operations, or steal sensitive data.

The financial and reputational damage from such attacks can be devastating, and recovering from a breach can be both costly and time-consuming.

How to Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks

  1. Educate Employees: Make sure your team understands this emerging phishing threat and knows how to identify suspicious emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted service like Microsoft.
  2. Verify the Sender: Always double-check the identity of the person sending shared files. If anything seems unusual, contact the sender directly to confirm the file’s legitimacy.
  3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA across all devices and accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second authentication factor, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
  4. Update Security Software: Ensure your security software is always up to date to defend against the latest phishing scams and malware threats.

Need Help Protecting Your Business?

If you’re concerned about the rising risk of phishing scams, cybersecurity training, and ongoing monitoring for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer tailored solutions to help protect your data, systems, and reputation from cyber threats.