Microsoft: Chinese hackers use Quad7 botnet to steal credentials
Chinese hackers have been using the Quad7 botnet to steal credentials from Microsoft accounts, according to a new report from the cybersecurity firm Mandiant.
The Quad7 botnet is a large, distributed network of compromised computers that is used to launch a variety of cyberattacks, including phishing and credential theft.
The Mandiant report found that the Chinese hackers used the Quad7 botnet to send phishing emails to Microsoft account holders. These emails looked like they were from Microsoft and contained links to fake login pages.
When users clicked on the links and entered their credentials, the hackers were able to steal them and use them to access Microsoft accounts.
The hackers then used the stolen credentials to access various Microsoft services, including email, OneDrive, and Skype.
The Mandiant report does not say which Chinese government agency is behind the attacks, but it notes that the attacks are part of a larger pattern of Chinese cyberespionage against the United States.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from this type of attack:
- Be careful about clicking on links in emails, even if they look like they are from a legitimate source.
- If you are unsure about whether an email is legitimate, hover over the link to see where it goes.
- Never enter your credentials on a website that you do not trust.
- Use a strong password for your Microsoft account.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your Microsoft account.
