Beware of the Latest Phishing Scam: Corrupted Word Documents
Imagine this, You’re scrolling through your inbox and spot an important email with a Word document attached. It could be an invoice, a supplier message or even a request from a colleague. Without a second thought, you open the attachment… and just like that, you’ve fallen into a phishing scam trap.
This is exactly what cybercriminals are banking on. And now, they’ve developed a new, sophisticated method to bypass even the most advanced email security filters – using corrupted Microsoft Word files.
How the Scam Works
Phishing is a tactic where scammers trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details. They’ll lure you in with emails that appear legitimate – maybe from your bank, a trusted colleague or a well-known company.
These emails often contain attachments or links. When you interact with them, you could unknowingly download malicious software (malware) or be redirected to a fake website designed to steal your information.
A phishing scam evolve constantly and they’ve become one of the most common methods of cyberattacks on businesses. While email security filters are generally effective at catching malicious attachments, corrupted Word files exploit a loophole – they can’t be properly scanned by these filters. As a result, these files sneak into your inbox undetected.
Here’s where it gets dangerous: When you open a corrupted Word document, Microsoft Word automatically “repairs” it and displays what seems to be a normal file. But hidden within the document is a malicious QR code or link. Clicking on it may lead you to a phishing site, such as a fake Microsoft 365 login page. And if you enter your credentials, scammers gain access to your account – and potentially to your entire business.
The Risks of a Single Breach
It only takes one employee’s login details for scammers to wreak havoc. With access to your cloud systems, they could:
- Steal sensitive customer or business data.
- Lock your team out of critical files or systems.
- Send phishing emails from your account to deceive your contacts.
The consequences can be devastating. Your business could suffer financial losses, face legal repercussions and endure reputational damage that may take years to repair.
How to Protect Your Business
The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to keep your business safe. The best defence against phishing is awareness and caution. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself and your team:
- Pause and Think: Don’t rush to open attachments or click on links. Take a moment to assess the email.
- Beware of Urgency: A phishing scam often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Be extra cautious with emails that demand immediate action.
- Verify the Sender: If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the person or company directly using a trusted method (not by replying to the email).
- Don’t Trust Appearances: Just because an attachment or link looks professional doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always double-check.
- Educate Your Team: Ensure everyone in your business understands what phishing is, why it’s dangerous and how to spot the warning signs.
We’re Here to Help
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly complex, but you don’t have to face them alone. We help businesses like yours stay informed and protected against phishing scams every day.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can safeguard your business from cyber threats.
