'The Inbox Is No Longer the Only Frontline': Phishing Attacks Are Evolving as Cyber Criminals Ramp Up 'Multi-Channel' Campaigns Combining Email and Microsoft Teams
IT Pro, Monday, May 4th, 2026
Phishing attacks are shifting from email-only tactics to multi-channel campaigns leveraging Microsoft Teams and calendar invites.
Security researchers warn of a significant shift in phishing tactics, with threat actors increasingly using Microsoft Teams, calendar invites, and other collaboration tools alongside traditional email attacks. KnowBe4's report found a 49% increase in calendar-based phishing and a 41% increase in Teams-based attacks, with nearly 17% of Teams attacks now part of multi-channel campaigns where attackers contact victims via email before following up on Teams.
These multi-channel approaches are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to build credibility across different platforms and communicate persistently with victims. Threat actors commonly impersonate IT professionals, HR staff, executives, and finance personnel, exploiting Teams' informal communication style to bypass security considerations.