A Smarter Phishing Scam: Is Your Business Ready?
Imagine this: an email arrives in your inbox. It looks official, maybe even familiar - perhaps it’s a link to a shared file on SharePoint or OneDrive. Without a second thought, you click it. What happens next could wreak havoc on your business.
Welcome to the new era of phishing scams. Microsoft has sounded the alarm on a clever, dangerous twist on this classic cybercrime.
What’s the Scam?
Cybercriminals are no longer relying on old-school tricks. Instead, they’re infiltrating trusted platforms like SharePoint and OneDrive - tools your team uses every day.
Here’s how they do it:
They steal either your own or someone else’s login details by hacking accounts or buying credentials online they gain access to your customers, your suppliers or a member of your teams Microsoft Account.
They upload a fake file designed to mimic something you’d recognise, like a Microsoft 365 login page.
They manipulate sharing settings to make the file seem secure and authentic.
One wrong click, and these criminals can install malware, access sensitive data, or even lock you out of your systems. The shared file email is official as it comes from Microsoft, it goes to an official Sharepoint or OneDrive URL where the fake login page is hosted. You enter your login details thinking that this is required to access the file, not realising that what you are looking at IS the file. Your details are captured in the form and then the criminals go on to perform the same scam to all of your contacts, harvesting more details along the way.
Why Does This Work So Well?
It’s simple: familiarity breeds trust. SharePoint and OneDrive are household names in business, so people often lower their guard. This scam plays on that trust - and exploits it.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fall victim to it.
How to Protect Your Business
Let’s make sure your team stays one step ahead. Follow these essential tips:
🔐 Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Think of MFA as a security double-check. Even if hackers have your password, they’ll need a second code - usually sent to your phone - to break in.
👀 Pause Before You Click:
Always verify the sender. If you’re unsure, contact them directly using a phone number or email you trust (not the one in the suspicious message!).
🛡️ Keep Your Security Software Updated:
Cyber threats evolve. Your antivirus and security tools should too. Regular updates ensure they’re equipped to handle the latest scams.
Don’t Let a Scam Steal Your Time or Reputation
Recovering from a phishing attack isn’t just costly - it’s also a major headache. Lost time, shaken client trust, and potential fines can leave a lasting impact.
But prevention? That’s fast, simple, and effective.
Need expert help securing your business? At Adkinsio, we specialise in keeping small businesses like yours safe from the latest threats.
Get in touch today:
🌐 Visit our website
📞 Call us: 0800 112 6789
💼 Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: Ashley Adkins
Stay vigilant, stay protected.
