Microsoft Teams Enhances Security with Brand Impersonation Call Warnings
Microsoft is set to enhance security in Teams with its new feature called “Brand Impersonation Protection.” This additional layer of fraud protection aims to warn users about potential impersonation attempts during calls.
Overview of Brand Impersonation Protection
Scheduled for mid-February, Brand Impersonation Protection will begin rolling out to targeted users and will be enabled automatically. This feature is designed to detect suspicious incoming Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls from new external contacts.
Functionality of the New Feature
When a call is identified as high-risk, users will receive alerts before answering. They will have the option to accept, block, or end these calls. If suspicious behavior continues during a conversation, warnings will remain visible.
- Automatically enabled for users.
- Detects signs of brand impersonation.
- Provides alerts for high-risk calls.
Why It Matters
This feature addresses the growing issue of social engineering attacks, where fraudsters pose as reputable businesses or government entities to steal sensitive information. Microsoft emphasizes that this enhancement will strengthen overall tenant security by reducing risks associated with first-contact external calls.
Preparing for the Update
Microsoft advises organizations to prepare their support staff and update training materials to address inquiries regarding these alerts. IT departments should inform helpdesk teams about the upcoming high-risk call alerts, expected to begin in February.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to the new call protection, Microsoft will implement further security measures for Teams. These include:
- Malicious URL detection
- Protection from weaponizable file types
- A reporting system for false positives
Furthermore, Microsoft aims to alert admins about suspicious traffic from external domains. This reinforces the company’s commitment to user security and improving overall collaboration safely.
Teams Usage Statistics
Microsoft reported that over 320 million individuals actively use Microsoft Teams each month, indicating its widespread adoption and reliance on the platform for communication and collaboration.
As organizations prepare for evolving security challenges, the introduction of Brand Impersonation Protection is a significant step towards safeguarding users against deceptive practices in digital communications.
