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Beware of Corrupted Email Attachments: A New Scam You Need to Know About

by | Mar 10, 2025 | All Industries, Video

Cybercriminals are always evolving, finding new ways to bypass security measures and steal valuable data. Their latest trick? Using corrupted Microsoft Word files to sneak past even the most sophisticated security filters and compromise your business.

This method is both clever and dangerous. It relies on a user’s trust in familiar file types and common workplace practices. After all, how often do we think twice before opening a Word document from what appears to be a trusted sender?

In this blog, we’ll break down this new phishing scam, how it works, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your business from falling victim.

How the Scam Works

1. You receive an email with an attached Word document.

  • The sender appears to be someone you know—a colleague, a vendor, or even a government agency.
  • The email content might reference an invoice, a contract, or another document you’d normally expect to receive.

2. You open the file, and Microsoft Word “repairs” it.

  • The file appears to be corrupted, and Word automatically attempts to fix it.
  • Once repaired, the document displays a message, QR code, or link.

3. You’re directed to a phishing site.

  • The link or QR code leads to a fake website, often mimicking Microsoft 365 or another cloud service.
  • You’re asked to log in, unknowingly handing your credentials to hackers.

4. Your account—and possibly your entire business—is compromised.

  • With access to your login credentials, cybercriminals can infiltrate your systems.
  • They might steal sensitive data, lock you out of important files, or use your account to spread phishing attacks.

Why This Attack is So Effective

This scam is particularly dangerous because corrupted files can bypass standard email security measures. Traditional phishing emails with direct links or suspicious attachments are often flagged by security filters. However, a corrupted file isn’t properly scanned, allowing it to slip through undetected.

Moreover, employees are accustomed to opening Word documents in their daily workflows. If an email looks legitimate, they may not hesitate to open the attachment—exactly what the hackers are counting on.

How to Protect Your Business

The best defense against this type of phishing attack is awareness and caution. Here’s what you and your team can do:

1. Think Before You Click

  • Never open an unexpected attachment, even if it looks legitimate.
  • If you weren’t expecting a file, verify with the sender through a separate communication channel.

2. Beware of Urgent or Suspicious Emails

  • Cybercriminals use urgency to trick you into acting quickly.
  • Be skeptical of emails pressuring you to open attachments immediately.

3. Inspect Links and QR Codes

  • Hover over links (without clicking) to check the actual URL.
  • If a document asks you to scan a QR code or visit a login page, verify it first.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Even if hackers steal your credentials, MFA can stop them from accessing your account.
  • Use authentication apps instead of SMS codes for added security.

5. Train Your Team Regularly

  • Educate employees on phishing tactics and test their awareness through simulated attacks.
  • Conduct periodic security training to keep your team alert.

6. Use Advanced Email Security Tools

  • Upgrade your email security to detect and block phishing attempts.
  • Implement policies that restrict opening potentially dangerous file types.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If you or someone on your team accidentally interacts with a phishing email:

  • Change your passwords immediately.
    If you entered login credentials, update them and enable MFA.
  • Notify your IT team.
    They can help assess the breach and prevent further damage.
  • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
    Check for unauthorized logins, sent emails, or file access.
  • Warn your contacts.
    If hackers have access to your email, they might use it to target others in your network.

Stay One Step Ahead of Cybercriminals

Phishing scams will continue to evolve, but by staying informed and following cybersecurity best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk to your business.

Need help strengthening your security? Our team specializes in keeping businesses like yours safe from cyber threats. Get in touch today to learn how we can help.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business issue. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay protected.