If you’re noticing more emails from unknown/untrusted senders are ending up in your focused inbox, you’re not alone. Hackers have found a way to bypass Microsoft Outlook’s spam filter, making it easier to send harmful files through seemingly normal email links.
Unfortunately, these files can be used to install malware on your device or steal information.
How It Works:
- Creating the Email: Hackers hide the malicious ISO file link in a seemingly normal URL.
- Evading the Filter: The Outlook filter only checks the visible text and misses the hidden link.
- User Clicks the Link: The user clicks the link, unknowingly downloading a harmful ISO file that can bypass security protections.
Why This is Dangerous This method exposes users to several risks:
- Malware Infection: The ISO files may contain programs that can infect your computer.
- Ongoing Phishing Attacks: Hackers can use this method for long-term attacks, even if some malware is detected.
- Higher Risk for Important Targets: Organizations that rely only on Outlook’s basic filters are at greater risk of data breaches or ransomware attacks.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Use Advanced Email Security: Employ tools that inspect links and check where they lead before you click.
- Educate Employees: Teach users to be cautious and check links before clicking, especially when unexpected downloads are involved.
- Use Endpoint Protection: Combine email security with software that detects and stops threats even after they’ve been downloaded.
- Limit ISO File Access: Only allow ISO files from trusted sources and monitor files that are accessed unusually.
What Should I Do to Protect Myself?
Microsoft has classified this threat as low-risk and hasn’t released a fix yet. This means it’s up to organizations to use additional security measures to stay protected.
Want to learn more about how OptfinITy keeps our client up to date and secure against the latest threats? Call 703-790-0400 or email sales@optfinity.com today for more information.
Leave a Reply