{"id":895,"date":"2020-12-15T20:32:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T01:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groupsl.mlbwdev.com\/fake-microsoft-teams-update-virus\/"},"modified":"2025-06-02T12:03:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:03:04","slug":"fake-microsoft-teams-update-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groupsl.mlbwdev.com\/en\/news\/fake-microsoft-teams-update-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch out for viruses hiding in fake Microsoft Teams updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

As more and more remote employees use Microsoft Teams to collaborate on different business projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers are trying to take advantage of this situation. Microsoft recently warned its users about a virus that is hidden in fake Microsoft Teams updates.<\/p>\n

In this article, our cyber security specialists explain the strategy of hackers involved in this scheme and how to protect yourself from it.<\/p>\n

A fake MS Teams update with hidden ransomware<\/h2>\n

In recent years, hackers have developed new tactics to take companies and institutions hostage.<\/p>\n

Ransomware, or CryptoLockers, are Trojan horse type computer viruses that lock data stored in an IT infrastructure using a technique called asymmetric encryption. The owners of affected systems have no choice but to pay a ransom to the hackers if they want to recover their data. This is the kind of virus that hides in a fake software update. So use Microsoft Teams<\/a> with care.<\/p>\n

A misleading advertisement that seems to be legitimate<\/h3>\n

To spread their ransomware<\/a>, hackers simply bought advertising space online. Both on websites and in search results, internet users may come across a legitimate, professional looking advertisement informing them that a Teams update is available.<\/p>\n

Thinking they are doing the right thing, many people click on the ad and unknowingly install a malicious file that contains a backdoor for hackers to access their computer.<\/p>\n

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