As you peruse your inbox, you come across an important email with a Word attachment - perhaps an invoice, message from a vendor or request from one of your colleagues - but once opened without thinking... you discover you've been scammed.

Cyber criminals understand exactly how to exploit this situation and have devised a means of bypassing even the most advanced email security filters using corrupted Microsoft Word documents as bait.

This strategy is both clever and dangerous.

Phishing (pronounced "fishing") is an attempt by scammers to gain sensitive data such as bank account numbers or passwords from people by sending fake emails posing as those from banks, coworkers or companies they trust. Scammers "fish" for information by sending out seemingly legitimate-looking emails with fake domain names from trusted institutions - often bank or workplace addresses or companies they respect - which appear legitimate enough.

These emails often include links or attachments which could download malware onto your computer or direct you to a false website if clicked upon.

Phishing attacks continue to evolve and are now the go-to way for fraudsters to penetrate businesses. While email security filters scan attachments effectively, corrupted files cannot always be properly evaluated - potentially opening your email up for Word viruses that slip in undetected.

Microsoft Word will attempt to repair these corrupted documents and display what seems to be a normal file attachment, but it may contain malicious links or QR codes which direct to an illegal website (often an impostor Microsoft 365 log-in page) where scammers may gain access to your account or even your entire business by tricking you into giving out your personal details.

Stolen login details of just one employee may be enough for scammers to use your cloud system for theft of customer information, restrict team access to vital files or send spammy phishing emails targeting contacts of yours.

An incident of this nature could be devastating; financial losses, legal penalties and irreparable harm to your reputation would all ensue.

Cyber attacks have become more sophisticated over time. You don't need to be an expert in order to keep your business safe.

Awareness and precaution are the best ways to keep yourself safe.

Start off by following these steps.

• Before opening attachments or clicking links from emails that seem urgent, take care. Scammers could attempt to tempt you into acting quickly without properly considering the situation.


• If you have any doubts as to the legitimacy of an email, verify it directly with its source before trusting any attachments or links that appear suspicious.


• Education about phishing, its dangers, and warning signs is essential for both you and others.

Everyday, we assist businesses like yours. Reach out if you would like assistance! For inquiries on how to fortify your business:📞 (404) 932-5940 or 📩info@nuwaveitc.com