Cybersecurity threats are growing, and law firms in British Columbia are increasingly becoming prime targets. A new, sneaky email attack is taking advantage of compromised Microsoft 365 accounts to deceive even the most cautious legal professionals. If your firm relies on email for client communications or collaboration, this is one scam you cannot afford to ignore.
The Dirty Trick Explained
Hackers are leveraging a sophisticated method involving compromised Microsoft 365 tenants. Here’s how it works:
- Compromised Firm Accounts: The attack starts when cybercriminals breach the Microsoft 365 accounts of one organization, such as another law firm or a trusted collaborator.
- Fake Document Sharing: Next, they send out emails to BC law firms, posing as opposing counsel or a trusted firm. These emails look legitimate, often carrying the sender’s real email signature and branding.
- Fake Login Pages: Recipients are directed to what appears to be a Microsoft 365 login page to view the shared document. However, this is no ordinary login screen—it’s an “Attacker-in-the-Middle” (AITM) phishing page designed to steal your login credentials.
Once your credentials are entered, the attackers can gain access to your Microsoft 365 account, opening the door to sensitive case files, confidential client communications, and other critical data.
Why This Is a Big Problem for BC Law Firms
BC’s legal profession operates under strict confidentiality and ethical obligations. Breaches like these put more than just your practice at risk—they can compromise client trust, violate privacy laws, and even lead to lawsuits, leaving a stain on your firm’s reputation. Hackers use these stolen credentials to:
- Access sensitive case documents
- Impersonate your firm in further phishing attacks
- Exfiltrate financial data or client information
This threat is particularly insidious because the emails appear to come from known and trusted sources, making it difficult to spot the fraud.
How to Spot and Stop the Scam
Protecting your firm starts with awareness. Here are practical steps to mitigate the risk:
- Verify Before You Click: Always verify document-sharing links, especially if they seem unexpected. A quick call to the sender can confirm legitimacy.
- Use IDTR (Intrusion Detection & Response): ITDR, backed by a professional team / Security Operations Centre (SOC) adds an extra layer of protection, even if your credentials are stolen.
- Inspect Login URLs Carefully: Look for slight differences in web addresses, such as misspellings or strange extensions, before entering credentials.
- Implement Email Filtering: Advanced email filters can flag suspicious activity and phishing attempts.
- Regular Security Training: Ensure all staff recognize the warning signs of phishing emails.
Stay Vigilant to Protect Your Practice
Hackers are constantly evolving their methods, and BC law firms are no exception to their targets. By staying informed and proactive, you can shield your practice from this cunning Microsoft 365-based attack. Remember: trust but verify, especially when sensitive client data is at stake. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call!
Looking to bolster cybersecurity for your BC law firm? Get in touch with us for a no-obligation consult today!
