At National Integrity Title, we are concerned over recent reports of phishing scams in Word documents and how that may affect you in your title process. As highlighted by recent reports of attackers using this method to target sensitive information. We recognize the importance of security throughout the title process and want to explain how this could impact you and what we’re doing to protect our clients.
This new phishing campaign uses a devious tactic. Attackers are sending emails with slightly corrupted Word (.docx) attachments. The corruption is subtle enough to slip past many email security tools. When an unsuspecting victim opens the document, Microsoft Word detects the issue and prompts the user to repair the file. This seemingly helpful prompt is the trap. If the user agrees to the repair, the document opens, and inside, a QR code awaits. This code leads to a credential harvesting page designed to steal your login information, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) details.
The timing of these attacks is often carefully planned. This particular campaign, as discovered by Any.Run, often mimics Human Resources communications, focusing on end-of-year benefits and bonus payouts—a time when such emails are expected. This highlights a crucial point: hackers frequently time their attacks to coincide with seasonal events, disasters, or business activities. We must all be extra vigilant during these periods, such as end-of-month, quarter, and year activities, benefits enrollment, and tax season.
How could this affect your title process? Imagine receiving an email, with a Word document attached related to your title closing. If that document is corrupted in this way, and you follow the prompts and scan the QR code, your personal information, which is vital to the real estate transaction, could be compromised. This could lead to delays, complications, or even fraud.
At NITA, we take these threats of phishing scams in word documents very seriously. We know that attackers constantly seek new ways to bypass security measures. While no system is impenetrable, we maintain a strong security posture and regularly update our systems to protect against the latest threats. We also want to empower you with knowledge:
- Be cautious of all attachments: Every attachment from an unknown or even unexpected source should be treated as potentially malicious.
- Be wary of unusual behavior: If Word prompts you to repair a document, it should raise a red flag. Don’t automatically click “yes.”
- Scrutinize QR codes: QR codes can hide malicious links. Be extremely cautious about scanning them, especially from emails or attachments. Never scan a QR code from an email or attachment if you are not expecting it.
- Never enter credentials on an unfamiliar site: Always double-check the website address before entering any login information. Make sure it’s a legitimate and trusted source.
We at NITA are committed to maintaining the highest standards of security for our clients. We believe that awareness and vigilance are key to protecting ourselves against threats of phishing scams in Word documents. If you have any questions or concerns about the security of your title process, please feel free to contact our expert team.
