Beware that “support call” – it could be a ransomware scam • Blisstech Solutions

If you get a call claiming to be from Microsoft Teams support, hang up before doing what they ask.

There’s a new trend for scammers to pose as “help desk” staff and trick employees into giving them control of their devices.

This is part of a larger ransomware attack where you will be denied access to your business data unless you make a hefty ransom payment to get it back.

Recently, a notorious cybercrime group has taken this scam to a new level.

First, they’ll flood an employee’s inbox with so much spam that it becomes unusable. Then they swoop in with a phone call, pretending to be from IT support, offering to “fix” the problem.

They may ask your employees to install remote desktop software like AnyDesk or use built-in tools like Windows Quick Assist. Once they have access, they can move around your network, collect sensitive data, and launch ransomware on your devices.

Be warned – they don’t only reach out over the phone. They’ve also started setting up Teams accounts to make employees think they’re part of IT support.

They do this by choosing usernames like “Help Desk” and using fake Microsoft tenant domains such as “securityadminhelper.onmicrosoft .com”. Then they send one-to-one messages to employees, saying they need access to their device.

Ransomware attacks are serious business. Along with locking you out of your data, they can also shut down your operations, disrupt customer service, and potentially leak confidential information.

Recovering from a ransomware attack can be expensive, both in terms of paying the ransom and dealing with the aftermath. It can cause loss of revenue, damage your reputation, and it could even have legal consequences.

Make your team aware of this scam and encourage everyone to be cautious when taking unsolicited support calls or Teams chats. And make sure everyone knows to check with your actual IT department first, if someone is asking to install software or gain access.

Also, if you use Microsoft Teams in your business, make sure it’s set up securely. Only allow external chats from trusted domains, and make sure chat logging is enabled.

If you want extra help safeguarding your setup, we can do that. Get in touch.

More Content

Tech Tip: How to use Windows Clipboard History

Welcome to a new Tuesday tech tip video where I will show you a really cool Windows feature called Clipboard History. Do you ever find yourself copying and pasting the same text or images over and over again? If so, you're not alone. But there's a better way! Windows...

Microsoft hints at some exciting Windows 12 developments

Windows 11 still feels like a new toy, yet we’ve already heard speculation about Windows 12 arriving as soon as next year. It’s all we can think about!

A little trust can go a long way

Countless employers still don’t trust their people to do their best work unless they’re physically in the office.

Are you using Teams to share sensitive data?

Microsoft Teams has fast become one of THE most useful business tools for the way we work today. No matter where your people work from, they can communicate and collaborate quickly and reliably. But this remote way of working can also open the door to some MAJOR security issues. New research shows that nearly HALF of employees frequently share confidential …

Security alert: Attacks on business email accounts are surging

Security alert: Business Email Compromise attacks are surging

Your business relies on emails every day – that’s exactly why scammers target them. Here’s what you need to know.

Is this the most dangerous phishing scam yet?

Is SubdoMailing the most dangerous phishing scam yet?

Bad news: Cyber criminals have yet another new phishing scam up their sleeves and it could be the most dangerous one yet. They’re using genuine subdomains that have been abandoned. We tell you how to stay safe.

Laptop on a desk with a picture of a hand holding a globe

Get on top of this now if any of your staff are hybrid working

People are increasingly doing their work remotely and hybrid working has become the new norm. Despite the fact that it has been more than two years since many of us were forced to work from home, too many organisations still do not have the appropriate cyber security...
Slow PCs? Manage which applications launch at startup

Slow PCs? Manage which applications launch at startup

Your PC might be frustratingly slow because too many applications are starting up when you hit the power button. Windows 11 has a new solution to tell you when new apps are added to your startup list. We have all the details.

Unwrap the gift of knowledge: 5 free AI courses by Microsoft

Unwrap the gift of knowledge: 5 free AI training courses by Microsoft

Microsoft has a little business-boosting gift that you won’t want to miss out on… five free courses about AI. We have the details, and the links to the courses.

Windows 10 is getting a very useful Windows 11 feature

Windows 10 is getting a very useful Windows 11 feature

There’s no denying that Windows 11 has a lot of really cool new features. If you haven’t made the move from Windows 10 yet, you’re missing out. But there’s good news. To make the (eventual) move from Windows 10 to 11 a little easier, Microsoft is sharing a couple of...
Share This
Contact
Love Lane
Cleobury Mortimer
Shropshire DY14 8PE

01299 382 321
[email protected]
Copyright © 2024 Blisstech Solution Ltd
Registered No: 08125391 VAT No : 307 5490 05