Microsoft: Criminals can access your accounts without your password

Have you ever felt like just when you’ve nailed your cybersecurity – BAM! – something new comes along to throw a spanner in the works?

That’s exactly what’s happening right now.

There’s a new scam doing the rounds, and it’s catching out businesses just like yours.

The worst part?

Cybercriminals don’t even need your password.

Scary…

What Is Device Code Phishing?

It’s called device code phishing, a clever trick that’s becoming increasingly popular. Microsoft recently flagged a wave of these attacks, and we’re likely to see many more.

This one’s different from the usual phishing scams you’ve probably heard about. Typically, phishing is all about tricking people into giving away their usernames and passwords on fake websites.

But with device code phishing, scammers play a smarter game.

Instead of stealing your password, they get you to voluntarily give them access to your account – using real Microsoft login pages,

so it looks completely legit.

How the Scam Works

It often starts with a convincing email. Maybe it looks like it’s from your HR department or a colleague, inviting you to a Microsoft Teams meeting. You click the link, and it takes you to a real Microsoft login page.

Nothing seems out of place.

You’re asked to enter a short “device code” provided in the email, supposedly to join the meeting or verify your login.

Here’s the catch: by entering that code, you’re not logging yourself in – you’re logging them in.

You’re unknowingly giving the attacker access to your Microsoft account on their device. Since the login goes through legitimate Microsoft authentication channels, it can even bypass your multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Yes, even if you have extra security in place, they might still get in.

Why This Threat Is So Dangerous

Once inside, attackers can:

• Read your emails

• Access your files

• Use your account to trick others in your company

• Stay logged in even after you change your password

Because the attack uses real Microsoft login flows, it often flies under the radar of traditional security tools. You’re not entering your password into a suspicious-looking phishing form; you’re on a real Microsoft page, making it feel safe.

To make matters worse, if attackers capture your session token (a digital “pass” that keeps you logged in), they can maintain access without needing your credentials again. Changing your password won’t necessarily kick them out immediately.

It’s like handing over the keys to your office without even realizing it.

How to Protect Your Business

Now you’re probably wondering: How can you protect your business from this?

Be Wary of Unexpected Device Codes

Train your team to be extra cautious with login requests, especially those involving device codes. If you receive a device code from someone, pause and think:

• Did I request this?

• Do I know for sure this is real?

If you’re unsure, don’t proceed. Instead, use a separate method like a direct phone call, Teams message, or your internal chat system to verify with the sender before entering any code.

Remember, legitimate Microsoft logins don’t require someone else to give you a code to enter. If you’re ever asked to do this, consider it a red flag.

Implement Technical Safeguards

From a technical perspective, your IT team (or your managed IT provider) can take further steps to secure your Microsoft environment:

• Disable device code login if your organization does not need it.

• Enforce conditional access policies to allow logins only from trusted devices and locations.

• Regularly review sign-in logs for suspicious activities.

• Utilize Microsoft security tools like Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for advanced threat detection.

Ongoing Cybersecurity Awareness

Ultimately, cybersecurity is about ongoing awareness. Regular security training for your team is one of the best defenses you can put in place. When your people know what to look out for, they are much less likely to fall victim to these evolving scams.

Share examples of phishing attempts during team meetings so employees can recognize red flags in real-world scenarios. Encourage a “stop and verify” culture to reduce the risk of falling for device code phishing scams.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity?

Cyber threats like device code phishing are evolving rapidly, but with the right awareness and proactive prevention, your business can stay protected.

At Elite Technology Solutions Group, we specialize in securing your Microsoft environment and helping businesses like yours implement effective cybersecurity strategies that actually work.

Don’t wait until attackers find their way in.

Contact Elite Technology Solutions Group today to schedule your cybersecurity prevention evaluation and protect your Microsoft accounts before it’s too late.