If clicked, the target is directed to a phishing website that displays a verification code and instructions requiring further action by clicking the “Copy code” or “Open” button.
If clicked, the target is prompted with a legitimate Microsoft verification page to enter or paste the code and click the “Next” button.
If the code is submitted, the target unknowingly authorizes the cyber threat actors’ device to gain persistent access to the target’s Microsoft 365 account and its services—including Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive—without requiring a password or completing additional MFA challenges.
Recommendations
- Exercise caution with communications from known senders or legitimate platforms.
- Confirm requests from senders using contact information obtained from verified, official sources before taking action, such as clicking links or opening attachments.
- Navigate directly to legitimate websites and verify before submitting account credentials, providing personal or financial information, or downloading files.
- Review the FBI Alert for tips on restricting device code flow to limit or block device authentication codes.
- Report malicious cyber activity to the NJCCIC and the FBI's IC3.
