Microsoft has confirmed that cyberattacks targeted its Outlook cloud platform in early June. The company said that the attacks were carried out by a group of hackers who used a technique known as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
A DDoS attack involves flooding a website or server with so much traffic that it becomes unavailable to users. In the case of the attacks on Microsoft’s Outlook platform, the hackers used a botnet, which is a network of infected computers, to generate a large amount of traffic.
The attacks on Microsoft’s Outlook platform began on June 6 and lasted for several days. During that time, some users experienced delays or errors when accessing Outlook and other Microsoft services. However, Microsoft said that no data was lost or unauthorized access was gained to customer accounts.
Microsoft is working with law enforcement to investigate the attacks and has taken steps to mitigate the risk of future attacks. The company has also increased its security measures, including adding more security layers to its systems and monitoring for suspicious activity.
The cyberattacks on Microsoft’s Outlook platform are the latest in a series of attacks on major businesses and organizations. In recent months, there have been several high-profile attacks, including the SolarWinds hack and the Kaseya ransomware attack.
The attacks highlight the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need for businesses to take steps to protect themselves. Businesses should have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that includes measures such as data backup, security awareness training, and intrusion detection.
Here are some additional tips for businesses to protect themselves from cyberattacks:
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your devices from known vulnerabilities.
- Use a firewall and antivirus software. A firewall can help to block unauthorized access to your devices, while antivirus software can scan for and remove malware.
- Be careful about what information you share online. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, online.
- Educate your employees about cybersecurity risks. Employees should be aware of the latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect themselves.
By following these tips, businesses can help to protect themselves from cyberattacks and keep their data.