Major Microsoft Teams Security Issues and Tips to Prevent Them

When users are not actively collaborating in Teams or when they are idle, the app will send an email to alert them to any messages they may have missed when away from their workstations.

Fremont, CA: The world's transition to remote work has demonstrated how insecure collaboration services can be, so keeping them safe is now a top priority for businesses. Microsoft Teams isn't any different. If IT does not take constructive measures to mitigate risks, the network will be jeopardized.

Bad actors would target any service that helps bad actors to trick workers into uploading a file or visiting a malicious website. Users who rely on the platform for messaging, conferencing, and collaboration are particularly vulnerable. However, cyber threats like these are just part of the picture. Another example is enforcement. Since Teams stores data that includes images, text messages, and other organizational information, appropriate policies must be implemented to ensure regulatory enforcement. Let's look at four of the most common Microsoft Teams security problems and how to avoid them.

Phishing: When users are not actively collaborating in Teams or when they are idle, the app will send an email to alert them to any messages they may have missed when away from their workstations. These emails provide a connection that takes users back to the Teams website to respond to the missed message and instructions on how to download the Teams mobile app.

These emails, however, are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Scammers can take advantage of this feature by sending out fake emails that look like Team updates but contain malicious code. End-users must be educated about these scams and taught how to distinguish between a legitimate Team's email notification and a fake.

Mobile Vulnerabilities: The Teams mobile app can also be used to attract users. Hackers who gain access to a user's unmanaged computer can access corporate content, posing a serious data breach risk to the company. Organizations must ensure that only approved users and devices have access to the Teams app to help defend against these forms of attacks.