Microsoft warns that hackers are targeting regular Teams users with attacks
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Microsoft is sounding the alarm, and this time, the warning is reaching ordinary users. Hackers are now turning Microsoft Teams security threats into real risks that extend beyond corporate networks. Using Teams, cybercriminals collect information, pose as trusted contacts, trick people into sharing private data, and even spread malware that can steal passwords or lock personal files.
What was once a simple tool for video chat and collaboration has become a high-value target for cybercriminals and even state-backed hackers. Whether you use Teams for work, school, or to stay in touch, the risks are real and growing. We’ll break down how attackers exploit Teams, what Microsoft recommends and simple steps you can take to protect yourself at home or at work.
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How hackers are using Teams to attack
Hackers are exploiting Microsoft Teams at every stage of the attack, using it to spy, impersonate, spread malware, and even take control of compromised systems, and consumers are now in their sights, too.
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Hackers are finding new ways to weaponize Microsoft Teams, turning everyday chats into dangerous entry points. (David Baker/Getty Images)
Poll across teams
Attackers start scanning Teams environments to find vulnerabilities. They are looking for users with open settings, public profiles, or external meeting links. Microsoft warns that “anonymous participants, guests, and external users” could give hackers a way in. If your privacy mode is off, they can see when you’re online, spam conversations, or try to join meetings outside your group, even if you’re only using a free account.
Personality building and impersonation
Hackers often pretend to be someone you trust, such as an IT administrator, a co-worker, or even a Microsoft representative. They create convincing-looking fake profiles and logos to trick you into clicking a link or sharing credentials. Microsoft says the attackers “leverage the same resources used by legitimate organizations” to carry out their scams.
Initial access and delivery of malware
Once they gain your trust, hackers send a chat or call that includes a malicious link or file. You may receive a message saying: “Your Teams account needs to be verified” or “Update required to improve security.” It’s all taste. These links can install spyware, steal logins, or deliver ransomware that locks your data, whether you’re using a company laptop or a personal computer at home.
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Stability and lateral movement
After a breach, attackers try to stay hidden. They can add guest accounts, install shortcuts, or change permissions so they can come back later. In some cases, they use the same Microsoft tools meant for admins to navigate through Teams, OneDrive, or even your personal files stored in the cloud.
Command, control and data extraction
Once inside, hackers can send commands via Teams messages or hide the malware in shared links. They are known to send ransom demands directly through Teams chat. Microsoft says one group, Octo Tempest, used Teams to taunt victims and pressure them into paying money, showing how personal these attacks are.
Tips to stay protected
You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe in Microsoft Teams. A few smart tools and habits can go a long way in preventing hackers, scammers, and hackers from taking advantage of your information.
1) Enable privacy mode
Keep your online presence private. Turn on privacy mode in Teams to prevent strangers from seeing when you’re active or trying to join meetings. It’s a simple setup that makes it difficult for hackers to target you or your company.
2) Be careful with roles and permissions
If you share your Teams account with co-workers or family members, don’t give everyone full control. Limit admin access to one trusted person. This reduces the chance of someone accidentally approving a fraudulent link or allowing malware to spread.
3) Use a data removal service
Hackers often rely on personal details found online to make their scams more convincing, such as your job title, workplace, or even the person you had a video chat with. This information helps them create fake profiles on Teams or send messages that look legitimate. Using a depersonalization service helps clear your private data from data broker sites, cutting off one of the main sources hackers use to impersonate you. The less they know about you, the harder it is for them to trick you into trusting a fake message or clicking a malicious link.
While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data removal service is truly a smart choice. It’s not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by systematically monitoring and scraping your personal information from hundreds of websites. This gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to clear your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data from breaches to information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
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4) Double-check links and files, in addition to using powerful antivirus software
Hackers love to send fake messages pretending to be IT support or help. Never open links or attachments from people you don’t know, even if the message looks official. Use powerful antivirus software to automatically scan downloads and attachments before opening them.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS at Cyberguy.com.
5) Limit guest access
Allow only trusted guests to access Teams conversations and meetings. If you invite someone to a one-time project, remove them afterward. Strict control over who can join helps prevent impersonators from slipping in unnoticed.
6) Turn on alerts
Activate Teams alerts to detect anything unusual, such as sign-ins from new devices or unexpected permissions changes. Pair this with the real-time protection of your antivirus software to receive notifications if malicious activity starts on your device.
7) Think “zero trust”
Zero Trust means verifying every user every time. Don’t assume that messages or calls are legitimate, especially if someone asks for your password or authentication code. If you’re not sure, contact your company’s IT team or verify the person’s identity through a separate channel.
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8) Practice spotting phishing attempts
Hackers rely on panic and urgency to get you to click. If you receive a message claiming that your account will be locked or that support needs your password, pause. Report suspicious messages to Microsoft or your security provider. Regular phishing awareness training helps you spot scams faster.
9) Keep everything updated
Always install the latest Teams and operating system updates. Patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to infiltrate.
Cybercriminals often impersonate IT support or trusted colleagues to trick users into sharing credentials. (CyberGuy.com)
Key takeaways for Kurt
Microsoft’s warning about Teams is a reminder that hackers are always looking for new ways to get to you, even through the apps you use every day. What makes these attacks so dangerous is knowing them. Messages look casual, video calls look real, and fake tech support chats can look convincing. That’s why awareness, not fear, is your strongest defense. With privacy settings enabled, antivirus protection turned on, and a reliable personal data removal service that scrapes your information from the web, you’re already several steps ahead of scammers. Staying alert to phishing attempts and keeping your software updated can turn Teams back into what it was meant to be: a secure and useful way to stay in touch.
If attackers can weaponize your everyday communications platform, how confident can you be that your Teams environment is truly secure? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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