Cyber Security Centre warns of scams after Microsoft outage

Islanders are urged to be wary of unexpected emails, texts and calls about account problems after disruption to Outlook and other Microsoft 365 services.

Island-wideFri 13 Nov, 18:142 min read

By Manx Wire Newsroom

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The Cyber Security Centre for the Isle of Man has warned that scammers may try to exploit the global disruption to Microsoft services, including Outlook, according to Isle of Man Today, Energy FM and Manx Radio.

Isle of Man Today reported that the outage hit Outlook, Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 applications, affecting users and organisations in several countries. It said the problems began on Thursday 12 November. Manx Radio gave a different date, reporting that Outlook went down on 13 November. It added that the fault was believed to have been addressed and that customers and regions were gradually being brought back online.

Criminals may pose as Microsoft, IT support or another trusted organisation, a Cyber Security Centre spokesperson said, as reported by Energy FM. People are advised to be cautious about unexpected emails, text messages or phone calls that claim there is a problem with their account or offer to restore access.

The centre’s advice, as reported by the outlets, is:

Ignore unexpected links that ask you to sign in or reset a password.
Keep passwords and verification codes to yourself.
Refuse remote access to your device from anyone who calls out of the blue.
Treat any request for payment to restore an account or service with suspicion.

“If you’re unsure, stop and verify the request using contact details you know and trust,” the spokesperson said, according to Energy FM.

The centre also pointed to Microsoft’s own guidance. Microsoft says it does not make unsolicited calls offering technical support, and genuine Microsoft error messages do not include a phone number to call.

Isle of Man Today reported that the Isle of Man Constabulary has asked people to pass the warning on. The force is particularly keen to reach people who may be more vulnerable to this kind of scam and may not use social media.

Manx Radio attributed the advice to the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance. Manx Wire has not seen the original statement.

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