Hacker, according to Microsoft, have gained access to Outlook email accounts belonging to around 25 organizations.

Major Hacker Attack on Email Accounts

Microsoft Reports Hacker Attack on Email Accounts

Hacker, according to Microsoft, have gained access to Outlook email accounts belonging to around 25 organizations. The targets reportedly include government institutions in Western Europe and the United States. Microsoft states that the hackers operated from China.

According to US company Microsoft, hackers operating from China have gained access to email accounts connected to government agencies in Western Europe.

In a blog post, the company stated that the group, identified as “Storm-0558,” specializes in espionage and data theft. The hack has affected a total of 25 organizations, including government institutions, as well as the email accounts of individuals connected to the affected organizations.

Microsoft has directly informed all affected organizations. The specific institutions or governments involved have not been disclosed by the US company.

Microsoft Suspects Espionage

The attack went unnoticed for approximately a month until customers complained to Microsoft about unusual email activities. Microsoft’s Chief Security Officer, Charlie Bell, stated that they believe the attack was aimed at espionage to gain intelligence information.

According to Microsoft, the cyber espionage began in May. The hackers forged authentication codes to gain access to Outlook email accounts on the internet. Emails from the US government were apparently affected as well. Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, told ABC News that the US quickly detected the intrusions and prevented further access to US government accounts.

The relevant authorities immediately contacted Microsoft to identify the vulnerability in their cloud service. Sullivan stated that the affected systems were “non-sensitive,” without providing further details. Investigations are ongoing.

China Denies Allegations

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed the allegations as “disinformation” intended to divert attention from US cyberattacks on China. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied involvement in hacking and espionage activities in the past.