Beware: Threat of Phishing via Microsoft Office 365 Forms

Understanding the Phishing Menace in Microsoft Office Forms

Microsoft Office 365 Forms have become a target for increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks, presenting a notable risk to organisations utilising Office 365.

A complex two-stage phishing operation has been identified, which exploits Microsoft Office forms to deceive users into revealing sensitive data.

The process begins with the attackers dispatching an authentic-looking email containing a link to an apparently innocuous form.

This form is designed to gather user credentials or personal information, which the perpetrators then utilise to execute more intricate attacks or gain unauthorised entry to accounts.

This development underscores the importance of heightened vigilance and robust security measures in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Beware The Rising Threat of Phishing through Microsoft Office 365 Forms - Speedster IT Cyber Security Experts London E1

How Cyber Criminals Exploit Microsoft Office Forms for Phishing

To combat this growing menace, it’s crucial to understand the tactics employed by these cyber criminals.

They often use convincing logos, familiar layouts, and urgent language to create a false sense of authenticity.

The phishing campaign involves two distinct steps. The first step begins with an email that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a colleague or a trusted organization.

The email contains a link to a Microsoft Office form designed to look authentic. The form requests the user to enter their credentials to access a shared document or update their account information.

Once the user enters their credentials, the attackers proceed to the second step. The user is redirected to a fake Microsoft Office login page that mimics the real one.

The fake page is designed to capture the user’s login credentials, including their username and password.

Beware The Rising Threat of Phishing through Microsoft Office 365 Forms - Speedster IT Cyber Security Experts London

Protecting Your Organisation: Strategies to Prevent Phishing via Office 365 Forms

The consequences can be severe if a user falls victim to this phishing campaign. The attackers can access the user’s Microsoft Office account, including their email, contacts, and sensitive documents.

Here are some tips to educate yourself and your staff to avoid this phishing campaign

  • It’s crucial to be on high alert for any messages requesting your login details, even those from seemingly trusted sources.
  • We cannot stress enough the importance of verifying an email’s legitimacy by directly contacting the sender.
  • Under no circumstances should you input credentials on a page lacking a valid SSL certificate.
  • Always use two-factor authentication 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your business accounts.
  • Lastly, businesses must not neglect the critical task of keeping software and operating systems current with the latest security updates.
Beware The Rising Threat of Phishing through Microsoft Office 365 Forms - Speedster IT Cyber Security Experts London Aldgate

Staying Vigilant in the Face of Evolving Office 365 Forms Phishing Threats

This intricate attack could lead to dire consequences if not properly addressed. Whilst awareness is crucial, it’s equally important to take proactive measures to shield yourself from falling prey to such deceptive schemes.

It’s paramount to remember that under no circumstances should you input your sensitive information on a web page lacking a valid SSL certificate. Vigilance is your first line of defense against these increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Thanks for reading and stay safe – The Speedster IT Cyber Security Team.