Beware of This New Cyberattack Scheme: A Teams Meeting Invite Trap

In an era where virtual meetings are the norm, cybercriminals have found yet another way to exploit the tools businesses use daily. A recent incident brought to our attention highlights a new phishing tactic that could easily fly under the radar for even the most diligent professionals.

In this particular scheme, a cybercriminal posed as a prospective customer and scheduled a Microsoft Teams meeting with an employee at a business. As part of the routine scheduling process, the employee sent a Teams invite to the supposed customer. The criminal responded claiming there was an issue with the invite—and instead sent their own meeting link.

Trusting the context of the conversation, the employee clicked the alternate link. Unfortunately, that single click led to a full-scale security breach.

This kind of attack is particularly dangerous because it bypasses the more recognizable red flags of traditional phishing attempts. It’s personalized, appears legitimate, and exploits the everyday tools and trust dynamics of a professional environment.

Key Takeaways to Protect Your Organization:

• Verify all meeting links. If a participant offers a different link, confirm its legitimacy through a separate, secure communication channel.
• Use organizational accounts. Stick to company-approved platforms and protocols for initiating and accepting meetings.
• Educate employees. Awareness training is crucial. Teach staff to be wary of unfamiliar contacts—even if the interaction seems professional.
• Involve IT early. Encourage employees to contact IT if they receive unusual requests or encounter technical issues with meeting links.

While we’ve omitted identifying details out of respect for client confidentiality, we believe it’s important to share real-world examples like this to raise awareness and help others avoid falling victim.

If your business experiences—or suspects—unauthorized access or a data breach, it’s critical to act quickly. Contact a CPM attorney to help you assess the situation, navigate legal obligations, and mitigate potential liability. Our team is here to help you respond strategically and protect what matters most.