Microsoft creates fake Azure tenants to pull phishers into honeypots
Microsoft is using fake Azure tenants as honeypots to gather intelligence on phishing actors, disrupting operations and enhancing security by monitoring tactics used by cybercriminals over extended periods.
Read original article
Microsoft has developed a strategy to combat phishing by creating fake Azure tenants that act as honeypots to attract cybercriminals. This initiative, led by Ross Bevington, a principal security software engineer at Microsoft, aims to gather intelligence on phishing operations and disrupt malicious activities. The honeypots are designed to mimic real Microsoft environments, complete with custom domain names and user accounts, making them appealing targets for attackers. By actively engaging with known phishing sites and providing these fake credentials, Microsoft can monitor the actions of attackers who log in, collecting valuable data on their tactics, techniques, and procedures. This approach allows Microsoft to waste attackers' time and gather intelligence that can be used to enhance security measures across the industry. The deception technology has proven effective, with attackers often spending up to 30 days unaware that they are interacting with a fake environment. Microsoft monitors around 25,000 phishing sites daily, using this data to attribute attacks to specific threat groups, including financially motivated and state-sponsored actors. This innovative use of honeypots represents a significant shift in how organizations can proactively defend against phishing threats.
- Microsoft is using fake Azure tenants as honeypots to gather intelligence on phishing actors.
- The strategy involves actively engaging with phishing sites to lure attackers into fake environments.
- Collected data helps identify tactics used by cybercriminals and disrupt their operations.
- Attackers can spend up to 30 days interacting with the fake environment before realizing the deception.
- This approach allows for better attribution of attacks to specific threat groups.
Related
Microsoft Alerts More Customers to Email Theft in Expanding
Microsoft alerts more customers about email theft post-Midnight Blizzard hack by Russian government. Stolen emails accessed, shared with affected organizations for transparency. Ongoing attack used for planning further attacks. Assistance provided to mitigate risks.
The golden age of scammers: AI-powered phishing
AI technology is transforming phishing attacks, allowing scammers to send personalized emails at scale. The rise of AI phishing has led to a 1,265% surge in malicious emails. Organizations must implement robust security measures to combat this evolving threat.
Hackers bypass Windows SmartScreen flaw to launch malware
Cybercriminals are exploiting a Microsoft Defender vulnerability (CVE-2024-21412) to install malware undetected. Many systems remain unpatched, making them vulnerable. Users should update Windows and be cautious with email attachments.
Phishing Campaign Exploits Proofpoint to Send Spoofed Emails
Guardio Labs reported a phishing campaign, "EchoSpoofing," exploiting Proofpoint's email service, affecting major brands. Attackers sent spoofed emails via legitimate channels, prompting calls for improved cybersecurity measures.
Windows PowerShell Phish Has Scary Potential
A phishing campaign targeting GitHub users employs deceptive emails about security vulnerabilities, using a CAPTCHA to execute Lumma Stealer malware via Windows PowerShell, posing risks to less experienced users.
0 commentsRelated
Microsoft Alerts More Customers to Email Theft in Expanding
Microsoft alerts more customers about email theft post-Midnight Blizzard hack by Russian government. Stolen emails accessed, shared with affected organizations for transparency. Ongoing attack used for planning further attacks. Assistance provided to mitigate risks.
The golden age of scammers: AI-powered phishing
AI technology is transforming phishing attacks, allowing scammers to send personalized emails at scale. The rise of AI phishing has led to a 1,265% surge in malicious emails. Organizations must implement robust security measures to combat this evolving threat.
Hackers bypass Windows SmartScreen flaw to launch malware
Cybercriminals are exploiting a Microsoft Defender vulnerability (CVE-2024-21412) to install malware undetected. Many systems remain unpatched, making them vulnerable. Users should update Windows and be cautious with email attachments.
Phishing Campaign Exploits Proofpoint to Send Spoofed Emails
Guardio Labs reported a phishing campaign, "EchoSpoofing," exploiting Proofpoint's email service, affecting major brands. Attackers sent spoofed emails via legitimate channels, prompting calls for improved cybersecurity measures.
Windows PowerShell Phish Has Scary Potential
A phishing campaign targeting GitHub users employs deceptive emails about security vulnerabilities, using a CAPTCHA to execute Lumma Stealer malware via Windows PowerShell, posing risks to less experienced users.