A New Phishing Threat: Corrupted Word Documents

A new phishing campaign is circulating, using corrupted Word documents to bypass traditional security measures and infect systems. Cybercriminals are sending out emails with malicious Word documents attached, often disguised as invoices, contracts, or other important business documents.

How Does It Work?

Cybercriminals are sending out emails with malicious Word documents attached. These documents are designed to appear harmless, often posing as invoices, contracts, or other important business documents. However, when opened, the document is corrupted and triggers a malicious script. This script can download and install malware, giving attackers access to sensitive information and systems.

Why Is This Dangerous?

This tactic is particularly dangerous because it bypasses many traditional security measures, such as email filters and antivirus software. These tools are typically designed to detect malicious code within attachments, but corrupted documents can often slip through undetected.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of phishing attacks, there are several steps you can take to minimize your exposure:

1. Be Skeptical of Unexpected Emails: Even if an email appears to be from a legitimate sender, exercise caution. Verify the sender’s email address and be wary of urgent requests or unusual attachments.
2. Avoid Opening Suspicious Attachments: If you receive an unexpected attachment, especially from an unknown sender, avoid opening it. Instead, contact the sender directly to verify the legitimacy of the email.
3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and other security software are up-to-date with the latest patches. This helps to protect against known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. By requiring¹ a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone,² you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
6. Train Your Employees: Educate your employees about the risks of phishing attacks and how to identify and avoid them. Regular security awareness training can help to reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this and other phishing attacks.