Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2025 (MDDR 2025) delivers unmatched threat research across Microsoft’s software and intelligence ecosystem. This comprehensive 85-page report analyzes global cybersecurity threats from July 2024 to June 2025, backed by unprecedented data:
- 100+ trillion security signals monitored daily
- 4.5 million malware files blocked every day
- 38 million identity threats detected daily on average
With visibility across Microsoft’s entire software and intelligence ecosystem, the MDDR 2025 provides security professionals with actionable threat intelligence that few organizations can match. We read all 85 pages and identified three specific callouts for security teams to consider.
1. The Rise of ClickFix : A New Era of Social Engineering
According to Microsoft’s MDDR 2025, “A particularly notable trend beginning in November 2024 was the rapid surge in the use of ClickFix.” This social engineering technique has quickly become a preferred attack method for both cybercriminals and nation-state threat actors, used to deploy:
- Infostealers
- Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
- Various other malware types
The FileFix Variant: Innovation in the Threat Landscape
Ascent Solutions’ threat intelligence team has been tracking ClickFix’s evolution across the cybercrime ecosystem and accurately predicted new variants would emerge. On June 23, 2025, security researcher mr.d0x published “FileFix – A ClickFix Alternative,” revealing a dangerous new variant complete with technical analysis, proof-of-concept code, and a video demonstration.
How ClickFix and FileFix Attacks Work
Both techniques exploit User Execution (MITRE ATT&CK T1204) and use similar social engineering tactics. The key difference lies in where victims are instructed to paste malicious PowerShell commands (T1059.001):
- ClickFix: Directs users to paste commands into the Run Dialog (Win + R)
- FileFix: Instructs users to paste commands into File Explorer (CTRL + L or ALT + D)
While other variations using Windows Terminal exist, ClickFix and FileFix remain the most prevalent variants observed by Ascent’s Security Operations Center and reported by major security vendors.
The Threat Isn’t Going Away
Threat actors show no signs of abandoning these highly effective and stealthy initial access methods. Security teams should expect additional variants to emerge in the coming months.
How to Defend Against ClickFix and FileFix Attacks
The most effective defense against ClickFix, FileFix, and future variants is comprehensive security awareness training, what Ascent calls “Patching the Human Firewall.” Learn more in our blog series:
- Patching the Human Firewall: Volume 1
- Patching the Human Firewall: Volume 2
- Patching the Human Firewall: Volume 3
Additional Resources: For deeper technical analysis of ClickFix beyond the MDDR 2025, read Microsoft’s August 2025 report: “Think before you Click(Fix): Analyzing the ClickFix Social Engineering Technique“
2. Email Bombing Attacks: The Gateway to Sophisticated Social Engineering
Microsoft’s MDDR 2025 highlights a dangerous evolution in phishing attacks. Email bombing (MITRE ATT&CK T1667), once a simple nuisance, is now a sophisticated precursor to more damaging attacks:
“Email bombing is now often used as a precursor to vishing (T1566.004) or Teams-based (T1566.003) impersonation, where the attacker contacts the target posing as IT support (T1656) and offering to resolve the issue.” – Microsoft MDDR 2025
Real-World Case Study: Storm-1811 Attack Thwarted
Ascent Solutions has extensive firsthand experience combating Storm-1811 (also known as CURLY SPIDER and STAC5777). Earlier in 2025, this threat group attempted to compromise one of our customers, but our combined SOC and Cyber Threat Intelligence team successfully blocked the attack.
Further Reading: How Ascent Blocked a Storm-1811 Attack with Real-Time Detection and Threat Intel
Storm-1811 has barely modified their attack methodology since 2023 for one simple reason: it remains highly effective. The key vulnerability? Many users mistakenly believe Microsoft Teams is a secure, threat-free platform where impersonation attacks don’t happen.
Essential Defense Strategies for Security Teams
Unfortunately, Storm-1811 activity is expected to persist throughout 2025 and into 2026. Organizations must act now to implement protective measures.
Secure and Lock Down Microsoft Teams:
- Restrict external access and communication
- Implement strict verification for IT support contacts
- Monitor for suspicious Teams activity patterns
Deploy Email Bomb Detection:
- Configure alerts to identify mass subscription patterns
- Implement alert chaining to connect email bombs with subsequent contact attempts
- Create rapid response protocols for detected email bombing
User Education and Awareness”
- Train employees to recognize Teams-based impersonation attacks
- Emphasize that legitimate IT never requests remote access via unsolicited messages
- Teach verification procedures for unexpected IT support contacts
Incident Response Protocol:
- Critical action: When an email bomb is detected, immediately contact affected users
- Ask specifically: “Has anyone called you or contacted you via Microsoft Teams about this issue?”
- Isolate systems if unauthorized remote access tools were installed
Additional Resources: For comprehensive guidance on protecting Microsoft Teams from impersonation attacks, read Microsoft’s October 2025 report: “Disrupting Threats Targeting Microsoft Teams“
3. Exploiting Vulnerabilities: The Persistent Threat of Unpatched Systems
Microsoft’s MDDR 2025 delivers a sobering assessment:
“Vulnerability exploitation remains one of the most reliable, scalable, and silent methods of initial access for threat actors.”
This threat isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now. Ransomware groups including Cl0p, Warlock, and Akira are actively exploiting unpatched systems to devastating effect. Microsoft reports a surge in exploitation campaigns targeting known vulnerabilities in:
- Widely used enterprise systems
- Third-party IT management tools
- Critical infrastructure software
The phrase “known flaws” reveals a troubling reality: organizations are being compromised through vulnerabilities that were publicly disclosed and patchable, sometimes for months or even years. This typically happens when:
- Organizations accept the risk of not patching specific vulnerabilities
- Security teams fail to maintain situational awareness of newly disclosed threats
- Patch management processes break down or fall behind
Zero-Days vs. Known Vulnerabilities: Where’s the Real Threat?
While zero-day exploits generate headlines, most successful attacks exploit publicly disclosed vulnerabilities that were announced during:
- Normal vendor patching cycles
- Emergency security hotfixes
- Coordinated disclosure programs
Microsoft’s Core Recommendation: Patch Fast, Patch Early
Microsoft’s MDDR 2025 advocates for routine, aggressive patching. However, maintaining this discipline requires overcoming significant obstacles:
- Consistency: Establishing and maintaining regular patching cycles
- Capacity: Allocating sufficient resources to keep pace with new patches
- Remediation debt: Addressing historical patches missed in previous cycles
- Testing requirements: Balancing speed with stability and compatibility
How Ascent Solutions Solves the Vulnerability Intelligence Gap
Vulnerability overload is real, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At Ascent, we combine Cyber Threat Intelligence and Threat & Vulnerability Management to highlight which vulnerabilities matter, why they matter, and how attackers are exploiting them right now. We track everything from proof-of-concept exploit drops to weaponized code on the dark web, giving your team early warning and actionable intelligence.
This integrated approach helps organizations quickly identify high-risk exposures, prioritize what to fix first, and reduce their attack surface with targeted, data-backed recommendations.
If you’re ready to stay ahead of emerging threats instead of reacting to them, our CTI-driven vulnerability monitoring gives you the strategic edge. Reach out to info@meetascent.com to meet with one of our experts today.
