Disclaimer: We may earn a commission if you make any purchase by clicking our links. Please see our detailed guide here.

Follow us on:

Google News
Whatsapp

Microsoft Warns Hackers Using Call Centers to Trick Users: Report

IANS
IANS
Meet the voice behind Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), a storyteller navigating the currents of global events with precision and depth. Crafting narratives that bridge cultures, IANS brings you the pulse of the world in every word

Join the Opinion Leaders Network

Join the Techgenyz Opinion Leaders Network today and become part of a vibrant community of change-makers. Together, we can create a brighter future by shaping opinions, driving conversations, and transforming ideas into reality.

Tech giant Microsoft has warned Windows users of a new phishing scam that involves emails requesting users to dial a call center.

Via its Security Intelligence account on Twitter, the company warned users not to dial the call center because following the instructions given by a human operator can lead to malware infections.

The malware scam only works with Windows computers that have Microsoft Excel, TechXplore reported.

The new threat involves BazarLoader, a type of malware that allows backdoor access to infected computers. It works by allowing criminals to sneak in through a hidden backdoor on a user’s computer, which allows them to install viruses or other types of malware.

Over the past several years, criminals have used different methods to trick users into carrying out instructions that allow BazarLoader to infect their computer.

Microsoft reports that such criminals are using an email/call center approach in this new campaign. The new approach involves an email sent to users, claiming that a trial subscription is about to expire and that the user’s credit card is going to be used to automatically charge them unless they dial a specified number.

If a user falls for the message and calls the center, a human being answers and claims that all they need to do is download a certain Excel spreadsheet.

After they do so, the victim is instructed to enable macros on the file, which paves the way for infection by BazarLoader.

The criminal operator at the fake call center then tells the victim that the subscription has been revoked and that their credit card will not be charged.

But those infected are then at risk of private data theft from the criminals running the new BazarLoader campaign as they have given themselves direct access. Users also run the risk of a ransomware attack.

As part of its tweet, Microsoft said that they are tracking the campaign.

Join 10,000+ Fellow Readers

Get Techgenyz’s roundup delivered to your inbox curated with the most important for you that keeps you updated about the future tech, mobile, space, gaming, business and more.

Recomended

Partner With Us

Digital advertising offers a way for your business to reach out and make much-needed connections with your audience in a meaningful way. Advertising on Techgenyz will help you build brand awareness, increase website traffic, generate qualified leads, and grow your business.

Power Your Business

Solutions you need to super charge your business and drive growth

More from this topic