A significant cybersecurity vulnerability dubbed “AuthQuake” affected Microsoft’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system in 2024, enabling attackers to bypass security measures and potentially access sensitive data. The discovery emerged as Microsoft has been actively transitioning its billion-plus users away from traditional passwords toward more secure authentication methods. Researchers at Oasis Security identified the vulnerability in June 2024, which exploited insufficient rate-limiting mechanisms that allowed malicious actors to attempt unlimited guesses of authenticator app codes.
The vulnerability particularly impacted applications using One-Time Passwords (OTPs), including SMS-based authentication and third-party authentication tools. The security gap raised significant concerns, especially since cybersecurity experts and organizations like CISA have been advocating for stronger authentication methods beyond SMS-based verification. Microsoft implemented interim security measures in July 2024, followed by a comprehensive fix on October 9, 2024, which introduced enhanced rate-limiting and account lockout features to prevent brute-force attacks.
In Florida, the Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) has achieved notable success in combating digital fraud schemes, particularly those targeting senior citizens. The enforcement action builds upon earlier successes in the state, including the arrest of individuals involved in sophisticated SIM swap schemes. During the final quarter of 2024, the unit dismantled six cyber schemes, including a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform and a grandparent scam operation. The enforcement actions resulted in seven arrests across six cases, with three schemes specifically targeting Florida’s senior population.
The CFEU’s operations led to the recovery of approximately $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency assets, with over $100,000 already returned to victims. An additional $2.2 million is pending return to affected individuals. The success comes amid growing concerns about sophisticated cryptocurrency-related fraud schemes that have caused substantial losses globally.
In the realm of digital marketing, influencer fraud continues to present challenges for businesses. Recent data indicates that 64 percent of companies express concerns about fraudulent influencer activities in 2025. Organizations typically allocate approximately one-quarter of their marketing budgets to influencer partnerships, with 63 percent of influencer marketing professionals planning to use artificial intelligence solutions to detect and prevent fraud.
Sources: Freemindtronic, Florida Daily, Adam Connell
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