Microsoft Teams Are Being Used to Hack Corporate Networks

If you think your Microsoft Teams chats are secure, think again. Cybercriminals have discovered a clever way to exploit Teams and other Windows tools to breach corporate networks, and their methods are disturbingly effective.

A recent report from Trend Micro reveals how hackers are impersonating IT support staff on Microsoft Teams to trick employees into sharing their credentials. Once these credentials are obtained, the attackers use Quick Assist, a legitimate remote desktop tool, to take control of the victim’s device. The attack doesn’t stop there; the hackers also exploit OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe, a Windows update tool, to sideload malicious .DLL files. This process installs BackConnect, a remote access tool (RAT), which creates an invisible backdoor to the hacker’s server.

With access gained, the attackers can bypass firewalls unnoticed, maintain control over infected devices, execute commands remotely, and steal sensitive company data. The stealthy nature of the attack makes it incredibly hard to detect, allowing cybercriminals to operate undisturbed for extended periods. These attacks are particularly effective because they rely on deception and social engineering—two tactics that are hard to defend against, especially when employees are working remotely and may be less cautious about IT requests.

To protect against these threats, it’s important to remain vigilant. Always verify any IT requests, particularly those received via Teams. If someone claims to be from IT support, contact your official department to confirm their identity before granting access. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another crucial step in strengthening security, adding an extra layer of protection even if credentials are stolen. Training your team to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics can also be effective in preventing such attacks. Also, monitoring network activity for unusual remote connections or unauthorized access attempts helps spot potential threats early.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, awareness and caution are your best defense. Stay alert and think carefully before clicking on anything that could compromise your security.

Image Credit: Techa@Dreamstime