The “Virus Intrusion Into Our Office 365 Webmail Server” Phishing Scam is a deceptive campaign designed to trick users into revealing their Microsoft account credentials. Disguised as an urgent security alert, this email warns recipients of a supposed virus threat on their Office 365 server and encourages them to click a link or open an attachment—leading to credential theft and potential account takeover.
Overview of the Threat
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat type | Phishing scam / email-based credential theft |
| Associated email | support@Office365.com |
| Detection names | Phishing: Avast, ESET‑NOD32, Combo Cleaner |
| Symptoms of infection | Fake login pages, stolen credentials, unauthorized account access |
| Damage / Distribution | Data theft, identity fraud; delivered via deceptive email and fake domains |
| Danger level | High – direct jeopardy to email, personal, and corporate data |
| Removal tool | SpyHunter (download: SpyHunter Download) |
Scam Breakdown
- Fake emails impersonate Microsoft support, using subject lines like “Virus intrusion into our Office 365 webmail server.”
- Malicious link labeled “Initiate Server Sweep” opens a cloned Microsoft sign-in page where users are tricked into entering credentials.
- Dangerous attachment in the form of an HTML file (e.g.,
HBL#SLHK2106063MBL#New_Order20240807file.shtml) leads to another credential-harvesting page. - Phishing domains are hosted on platforms like Glitch, with URLs resembling trusted services.
- Outcome: Once the attacker obtains credentials, they can access email accounts, send more phishing emails, or exploit sensitive information.
Scam Email & Attachment Text
Email example:
Subject: Price Items – DRAFT PO ORDER(…)
Dear User,
We have detected a virus intrusion into our Office 365 webmail server.
Please click the button below to initiate the sweep.
[Initiate Server Sweep]
Attachment example:
HTML file opens a fraudulent login page disguised as Microsoft’s login interface, used to capture usernames and passwords.
In-Depth Analysis
How You Got Infected
Unlike malware, this phishing scam doesn’t infect your system with software. Instead, it convinces you to enter your login credentials on a fake web page. Infection occurs when the user willingly provides their information to the attacker.
What It Does
After collecting login details, the attacker can:
- Log into Office 365 or Outlook accounts
- Harvest contacts, emails, and sensitive data
- Send more phishing campaigns from your email
- Reset passwords for other connected accounts
Should You Be Worried?
Yes. If the compromised account is linked to your work, financial records, or private information, it could lead to severe consequences, including identity theft, business data breaches, and loss of control over cloud-stored documents.
What to Do Immediately
- Delete the phishing email. Do not click on links or open attachments.
- Change your Office 365 password immediately.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
- Use a professional malware removal tool like SpyHunter to scan your system:
Download SpyHunter - Contact your IT department or Microsoft support to monitor suspicious login activity.
Manual Removal Guide: How to Identify and Remove Email Scams Yourself
Step 1: Recognizing Scam Emails
Before taking action, learn to identify email scams. Some common red flags include:
- Unknown Sender: Emails from unfamiliar addresses, especially if they claim to be from banks, tech support, or government agencies.
- Urgent or Threatening Language: Messages pressuring you to act quickly (e.g., “Your account will be suspended!”).
- Poor Grammar & Spelling Mistakes: Many scam emails contain grammatical errors.
- Suspicious Links or Attachments: Hover over links to check if they lead to an unusual website before clicking.
- Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive details via email.
Step 2: Avoid Interacting with Scam Emails
If an email appears suspicious:
- Do NOT click on any links.
- Do NOT download attachments.
- Do NOT reply to the sender.
Step 3: Report the Email Scam
Reporting scam emails helps prevent others from falling victim to them:
- Gmail/Outlook/Yahoo Users: Click “Report Phishing” or “Report Spam” in your email client.
- FTC (U.S. users): Report scams to the FTC Complaint Assistant.
- Google Safe Browsing: Report phishing sites at Google’s Phishing Report.
Step 4: Block the Sender
To prevent further scam emails from the same sender:
- Gmail: Open the email, click the three dots, and select “Block [Sender Name]”.
- Outlook: Open the email, select “Junk” > “Block Sender”.
- Yahoo Mail: Click “More” > “Block Sender”.
Step 5: Check Your Accounts for Compromise
If you’ve interacted with a scam email:
- Change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Adds an extra security layer.
- Monitor your banking transactions for suspicious activity.
Step 6: Scan Your Device for Malware
If you accidentally clicked a link or downloaded a file, scan your system for malware:
- Windows Users (Windows Defender)
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click “Quick Scan” or “Full Scan”.
- Mac Users
- Use security software like Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for threats.
Step 7: Strengthen Email Security
- Enable spam filtering in your email provider’s settings.
- Use a third-party spam filter such as Spamihilator or Mailwasher.
- Stay educated on phishing techniques to avoid falling for scams in the future.
SpyHunter Removal Guide: Automated Solution for Email Scam Threats
SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove phishing-related threats, Trojans, spyware, and other cyber threats. If you prefer a quick and automated solution, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
- Visit the official SpyHunter download page: Download SpyHunter
- Click “Download” and save the file.
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
- Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Open SpyHunter and go to “Malware/PC Scan”.
- Click “Start Scan Now” to begin scanning.
- SpyHunter will detect threats linked to email scams.
Step 4: Review and Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan completes, SpyHunter will display a list of detected threats.
- Click "Fix Threats" to remove them.
- Restart your computer after removal.
Step 5: Enable Real-Time Protection
- Activate SpyHunter’s Active Guards for real-time malware protection.
- Schedule regular system scans for ongoing security.
Step 6: Keep SpyHunter Updated
- Regularly update SpyHunter to detect new threats.
- To update, go to "Settings" > "Update" and click "Check for Updates".
How to Prevent Future Email Scams
To avoid falling for email scams in the future, follow these precautions:
Use a Secure Email Provider
Consider using encrypted email services like ProtonMail or Tutanota for enhanced security.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links
Always verify links before clicking by hovering over them to see the actual URL.
Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi
Scammers can intercept your data on public networks. Use a VPN for secure browsing.
Regularly Change Your Passwords
Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
Install Anti-Phishing Browser Extensions
Use security extensions like Bitdefender TrafficLight or Avast Online Security to detect phishing attempts.
Email scams pose a significant risk to personal and financial security. By following this manual removal guide, you can effectively identify and remove scam emails. For those seeking a fast and automated approach, SpyHunter provides a reliable solution to detect and remove email scam-related threats.
Take Action Now
Protect your device from scam-related malware with SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter
Conclusion
The “Virus Intrusion Into Our Office 365 Webmail Server” phishing scam is a prime example of social engineering at work. By mimicking legitimate Microsoft alerts, attackers exploit fear and urgency to hijack user credentials. This scam poses a serious threat to both individuals and organizations, as compromised email accounts can lead to massive data leaks and reputational damage. Always verify the legitimacy of emails, avoid clicking unknown links, and protect your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
