If you receive a call claiming to be from Microsoft Teams support, take a moment to think before following any instructions. Scammers are increasingly posing as IT support staff to trick employees into giving them access to company devices, often as part of a ransomware attack.
How the Scam Works
One of the latest tactics involves scammers flooding an employee’s inbox with spam until it becomes unusable. Then, they call, pretending to be from IT support, offering to “fix” the issue. They may ask the employee to install remote desktop software like AnyDesk or use tools such as Windows Quick Assist to gain control of the device. Once they have access, they can move through the network, steal sensitive data, and deploy ransomware to lock your files.
Fake Microsoft Teams Accounts
The scammers don’t stop at phone calls. They have also started creating fake Microsoft Teams accounts to make their approach seem more legitimate. By using usernames like “Help Desk” and fake Microsoft tenant domains (e.g., securityadminhelper.onmicrosoft.com), they send direct messages to employees, claiming they need access to their devices for support.
The Cost of a Ransomware Attack
Ransomware attacks can have severe consequences. In addition to locking you out of your data, they can disrupt daily operations, compromise customer service, and even leak sensitive information. Recovering from such an attack can be costly, involving both the ransom itself and the fallout from data loss, reputational damage, and potential legal issues.
How to Protect Your Business
It’s crucial to raise awareness about this scam among your team. Encourage employees to be cautious about unsolicited support calls or messages in Microsoft Teams. Always verify any requests to install software or provide remote access with your actual IT department first.
If your company uses Microsoft Teams, take steps to secure your setup. Only allow external chats from trusted domains and enable chat logging to monitor communication.
Need Extra Protection?
If you want additional help securing your systems and preventing scams, we’re here to assist. Contact us to ensure your business stays safe from ransomware attacks and other cyber threats.
Next Steps
Are you looking for a new IT service provider? Check out our free guide that explains how to choose your next IT service provider for some quick tips to get you started! Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with someone from our team to see if we’re a good mutual fit!
