Microsoft Teams to add brand impersonation warnings to calls
Recorded: Jan. 22, 2026, 6:03 p.m.
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Microsoft is implementing “Brand Impersonation Protection” within Microsoft Teams to mitigate the rising threat of social engineering attacks. This proactive security feature, scheduled for initial rollout in the targeted release ring during mid-February 2026, will automatically assess incoming Voice over IP (VoIP) calls from first-time external contacts. The primary goal of this system is to identify and flag calls that exhibit characteristics indicative of brand impersonation attempts, a prevalent tactic employed by malicious actors seeking to defraud individuals or organizations. Upon detecting potentially suspicious signals, the Teams system will immediately display high-risk call warnings before the user answers the call. While users retain the option to accept, block, or terminate these flagged calls, Microsoft acknowledges that the alerts may persist during ongoing conversations if the suspicious indicators continue to be present. This layered approach aims to disrupt the attacker’s attempt to establish a deceptive connection and protect the user from potential harm. According to a Microsoft 365 message center update, the development of Brand Impersonation Protection aligns with Microsoft’s broader commitment to bolstering tenant security and reducing the risks associated with external communications, primarily during initial contact with unfamiliar external parties. The system’s automatic activation eliminates the need for administrative intervention, streamlining the process and optimizing its immediate impact. Recognizing the potential for user confusion and support inquiries, Microsoft advises IT departments to proactively prepare their support staff. Specifically, updated internal training materials should be developed to address anticipated questions regarding the new alerts. Helpdesk teams will need to be informed that users may begin encountering high-risk call warnings starting in February 2026. This initiative complements previously announced security enhancements within Teams, including the default strengthening of messaging security against malicious content via features such as malicious URL detection, weaponizable file type protection, and a reporting mechanism for false positives. Furthermore, Microsoft is preparing another feature that will alert administrators about suspicious traffic originating from external domains. This expanded security posture reflects a concerted effort to safeguard user communications and minimize vulnerabilities within the Teams ecosystem. As of late 2024, over 320 million individuals utilize Microsoft Teams monthly, highlighting the scale of the company’s commitment to security and the growing importance of robust protection against evolving cyber threats. The implementation of Brand Impersonation Protection represents a strategic response to the increasing sophistication of social engineering attacks and demonstrates Microsoft’s ongoing dedication to providing secure collaboration tools. |