Imagine this: you get a call from someone claiming to be Microsoft Teams support, offering to fix an urgent issue. Sounds helpful, right? Think again.
Scammers are increasingly posing as IT support to trick employees into granting access to their devices. This is part of a larger scheme to launch ransomware attacks. Once they’re in, they can lock you out of your business data and demand a hefty payment to restore it.
How the Scam Works
A notorious cybercrime group has taken this scam to the next level. Here’s their typical playbook:
- Overwhelming Spam Attack
They flood an employee’s inbox with so much spam it becomes unusable. - Fake Support Call
They call the employee, claiming to be from IT support, and offer to “fix” the problem. - Gaining Access
They ask the employee to install remote desktop tools like AnyDesk or use built-in tools like Windows Quick Assist.
Once they have access, they roam your network, collect sensitive data, and deploy ransomware.
But they don’t stop at phone calls. Scammers are also setting up fake Microsoft Teams accounts to impersonate IT support. Using names like “Help Desk” and fake domains such as “securityadminhelper.onmicrosoft.com,” they send direct messages to employees, asking for access to their devices.
The Impact of Ransomware
Ransomware is no joke. It can:
- Lock you out of critical business data.
- Shut down operations and disrupt customer service.
- Expose sensitive or confidential information.
Recovering from an attack is expensive, from paying ransoms to dealing with the fallout. It can damage your reputation, cause revenue loss, and even result in legal consequences.
Protect Your Business
Here’s how you can stay safe:
- Educate Your Team
Warn employees about this scam and remind them to verify any unsolicited support calls or messages with your actual IT department. - Secure Microsoft Teams
Restrict external chats to trusted domains, and enable chat logging for added security. - Get Expert Help
If you need assistance securing your systems, we’re here to help.
Ransomware scams are evolving, but with the right precautions, you can stay ahead. Contact us today to safeguard your business.
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
(TYYV) The Yada Yada Version:
Scammers are posing as IT support through fake calls and Teams accounts to launch ransomware attacks, and yada yada yada make sure your business is educating your team, verifying requests, and securing your systems to stay protected.
