Just when your company’s cybersecurity feels under control—bam!—a new threat hits the scene.
If your business operates in the Chicago metro area, pay close attention. There’s a sophisticated phishing scam on the rise, and it’s targeting businesses just like yours.
It’s called device code phishing—and here’s the chilling part: cybercriminals don’t even need your password.
🔒 The New Face of Phishing
This scam isn’t your typical fake-login-page setup. Instead, it uses real Microsoft login screens to trick your team into granting access voluntarily. Yes, voluntarily.
The scam often begins with a fake but convincing email—maybe from “HR” or a “colleague” with an invite to a Microsoft Teams meeting. When your employee clicks the link, they’re taken to an actual Microsoft login page. Everything feels legitimate… because it is.
They’re then asked to enter a short “device code” provided in the email. What they don’t realize is that this code links the scammer’s device to their Microsoft account—even bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA).
🎯 Why It’s Especially Dangerous for Local Service Providers Business services—from legal and accounting firms to local consultancies and logistics companies—are high-value targets. You house sensitive client data and internal financials. Once an attacker is in, they can access emails, files, and contacts—and use that trust to scam others in your network.
🛑 How Chicagoland Businesses Can Stay Safe
- Be suspicious of unexpected codes. If someone sends a device code, pause. Did you request it? Confirm through another channel.
- Educate your team. Everyone—from front office to field staff—needs to recognize the signs.
- Ask your IT provider to disable device code logins if your business doesn’t rely on them.
- Restrict logins to trusted devices and networks to limit exposure.
Cybercriminals are adapting fast—but so can you.
📍 Serving Chicagoland and beyond, we help local businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture with practical, customized solutions. If you’d like to audit your protection against these emerging threats, let’s talk
