Microsoft Sway Exploited to Deliver Malicious QR Codes
Criminals continue to find new ways to launch attacks using legitimate cloud platforms and services, and the latest tool to fall victim is Microsoft Sway. Hackers are leveraging this product to deliver malicious payloads to users via QR codes, tricking them into revealing their Microsoft 365 login credentials. This tactic, known as QR code phishing or “quishing,” is a growing threat to businesses worldwide.
What Is Microsoft Sway and Why Is It Under Attack?
Microsoft Sway is a cloud-based content creation tool included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It allows users to create and share newsletters, presentations, and interactive content. Unfortunately, hackers have found a way to exploit Sway to target unsuspecting users' Microsoft credentials.
How Does the Attack Work?
Threat actors use QR code phishing within Sway by embedding malicious QR codes in a Sway presentation. When the user scans the code, they are redirected to a phishing page designed to look like a legitimate Microsoft 365 login screen. Once the victim enters their credentials, including multi-factor authentication details, the hackers gain access to sensitive information and can infiltrate the network.
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The Dangers of QR Code Exploits
Launching phishing attacks using Microsoft Sway is particularly effective for several reasons. Hackers are exploiting both the familiarity of the platform and the weaknesses in security surrounding QR codes.
Transparent Phishing Tactics
This attack is a form of transparent phishing. Users must log in to their Microsoft Sway accounts to view the content shared by the hacker, giving the impression that everything is legitimate. As a result, users are more likely to trust the malicious content and unknowingly provide their login credentials.
Mobile Devices Are Vulnerable
A large number of users scan QR codes with their mobile devices, which typically lack the same security protections as business computers. Hackers take advantage of these vulnerabilities, gaining easier access to mobile devices without the need for more sophisticated attacks.
QR Codes Bypass Security Tools
Traditional antivirus and malware detection tools struggle to identify malicious QR codes. Since many QR codes are shared as image files like JPGs, they can slip through security protocols undetected. Even advanced email protection programs may fail to recognize a malicious code embedded in an image.
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How To Avoid These New Quishing Attacks
To avoid falling victim to a quishing attack, follow the best practices that apply to general phishing prevention. This includes educating your team about the dangers of scanning QR codes from untrusted sources and always verifying the authenticity of any login requests.
- Education and Training: Ensure employees are trained to spot phishing attempts and suspicious QR codes. If something feels off, they should be encouraged to report it before interacting with the content.
- Security Tools: Use advanced threat detection tools and regularly update your antivirus and security software to scan for the latest threats.
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Conclusion
As cybercriminals continue to develop sophisticated methods like quishing, it’s crucial for businesses to remain vigilant. By implementing strict security protocols, educating employees, and staying updated with the latest protection tools, you can safeguard your company from malicious attacks like those exploiting Microsoft Sway.
