You’re scanning your inbox and spot an important email with a Word document attached. It could be an invoice, a message from a supplier, or even a request from a colleague. Without a second thought, you open it… and just like that, you’ve been scammed.
This is exactly what cybercriminals are counting on. They continuously refine their techniques to bypass even the most sophisticated email security filters. Their latest trick? Sending corrupted Microsoft Word files that evade detection and put your business at risk.
How Phishing Scams Use Corrupted Word Attachments
Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is a deceptive tactic where scammers impersonate trusted contacts to steal sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details. They “bait” you with an email that appears legitimate – perhaps from your bank, a supplier, or a colleague – and encourage you to take immediate action.
These fraudulent emails often contain attachments or links designed to compromise your security. Traditionally, email filters can scan attachments for malicious content. However, corrupted files present a loophole. Since these files cannot be analysed properly, they slip through security measures undetected.
When you open one of these corrupted Word files, Microsoft Word will attempt to “repair” it, displaying what appears to be a normal document. Hidden within this document, however, could be a malicious QR code or link that directs you to a phishing site – often a fake Microsoft 365 login page. If you enter your credentials, scammers can gain access to your account and, potentially, your entire business network.
The Devastating Consequences of a Phishing Attack
Stealing just one employee’s login details can be enough for cybercriminals to wreak havoc. With access to your cloud systems, they can:
- Compromise sensitive customer and business data.
- Lock your team out of essential files and systems.
- Send phishing emails from your account to deceive your clients and colleagues.
- Demand ransom payments to restore access to your data.
The impact of a successful phishing attack can be catastrophic. Your business may suffer financial losses, legal repercussions, and long-term damage to its reputation. Customers and partners may lose trust in your organisation, making recovery difficult and costly.
How to Protect Your Business from Phishing Attacks
Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but you don’t need to be a cyber security expert to protect your business. Awareness and caution are your best defences.
Practical Steps to Stay Safe
- Pause Before Opening Attachments – If an email contains an unexpected attachment, verify its legitimacy before opening it.
- Beware of Urgency Tactics – Scammers rely on panic and urgency to trick you into quick action. Take a moment to think.
- Verify the Sender – If an email looks suspicious, contact the sender directly using a known phone number or email address.
- Check for Red Flags – Poor grammar, unusual formatting, or unexpected requests are common signs of phishing attempts.
- Never Enter Your Credentials from an Email Link – Always go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.
- Educate Your Team – Regular training on phishing threats helps ensure that everyone in your organisation remains vigilant.
Strengthen Your Cyber Security
We help organisations like yours stay protected against evolving cyber threats. From phishing awareness training to advanced email security solutions, we provide the tools and expertise to keep your business secure.
If you’d like to enhance your cyber security and protect your team from phishing attacks, get in touch with us today.
