ICLOUD Outlook Storage Scam Spreads Malware Via Fake Emails
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
A new phishing scam has emerged that targets Outlook users by claiming their ICLOUD storage is almost full. This convincing fake notification states that incoming emails have failed delivery as a result. It then directs victims to malicious attachments disguised as the undelivered messages. Security experts have identified this as a campaign spreading the dangerous Agent Tesla remote access Trojan (RAT). Here’s what you need to know about this scam and how to protect yourself.
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Overview of the ICLOUD Outlook Storage Scam
This phishing scam starts with an email that impersonates a warning from ICLOUD about your Outlook email storage. The subject line reads something like “Warning: Mailbox ICLOUD size notification for [your email] (Undelivered Mails Attached).”
The email claims that your ICLOUD-linked Outlook account is nearly full at 96.89% capacity. It states this has caused multiple incoming messages to fail delivery. The scam email goes on to say these undelivered emails are attached, and you should open them to either allow delivery or delete any unwanted messages.
However, the attachments are actually malicious Office documents infected with the Agent Tesla RAT. Once opened, this remote access Trojan secretly infects your computer and allows cyber criminals full access to steal data, install more malware, and spy through your webcam and microphone.
The scam email is designed to look like legitimate notifications from ICLOUD and Outlook. But make no mistake – this is a phishing attempt aimed at stealing personal information and compromising devices with malware.
How the ICLOUD Outlook Storage Scam Works
This scam starts like many phishing attempts – with an email seemingly from a trusted source that urges you to open malicious attachments. Here’s a closer look at how it works:
You receive an email claiming to be from ICLOUD support. The subject line and content are crafted to appear as if ICLOUD is alerting you about an Outlook storage issue. Phrases like “ICLOUD linked to Outlook storage” and mentions of undelivered messages are used to add legitimacy.
The email states your account is nearly full, causing failed deliveries. By claiming your storage is at 96.89% capacity, the scam adds urgency to open the supposed undelivered messages. This is a common phishing tactic to get users to act quickly without thinking.
Malicious Office documents are attached as the “undelivered emails.” Instead of actual messages, the attachments are Excel, Word, or Powerpoint files infected with the Agent Tesla RAT. The extensions may be hidden to further disguise them.
Users are instructed to open the attachments to deliver the emails. The scam email tells you to open the files to either allow the fake messages to be delivered, or delete any unwanted ones. This tricks you into installing the malware.
Agent Tesla infects your computer if you enable macros. The malicious Office documents contain macros that automatically download and install the RAT when enabled. Agent Tesla then has full access to your files, webcam, microphone, and more.
Your personal data is stolen and more malware downloaded. With its remote access, the attackers can silently steal account credentials, financial information, and any other sensitive data. More dangerous malware may also be installed.
This social engineering attack exploits a perceived problem with your Outlook account to trick you into infecting yourself. The urgent tone and legitimate-looking email are designed to bypass scrutiny and get you to open the malicious attachments without realizing the consequences.
What to Do if You Open the Malicious Attachments
If you receive this phishing email and unfortunately open the infected Office document attachments, here are the steps you should take right away:
Disconnect your device from the internet. Unplug your affected computer from the network immediately to prevent further malware communications. Disable WiFi as well.
Scan for malware with antivirus software. Run a full system scan with Malwarebytes to detect Agent Tesla and any other infections. Quarantine or delete any malware it finds.
Reset your Outlook account password. Even if no emails were accessed, resetting your password prevents the attackers from logging in. Enable 2FA if possible.
Contact your email provider. Alert Microsoft, ICLOUD, or any other provider about the phishing attack. They may have additional security recommendations.
Check for unauthorized activity. Review account statements and credit reports to spot any suspicious charges or activity indicating stolen data. Place fraud alerts if needed.
Wipe your device and reinstall the OS. For severe infections, the nuclear option is performing a factory reset and wiping your hard drive before reinstalling the OS. Backup personal files first.
Install antivirus and anti-phishing software. Beef up your security with robust cybersecurity solutions to prevent future attacks. Use tools that block phishing websites and emails.
If Agent Tesla or other malware was installed, take steps immediately to prevent worse damage. Catching and removing the infection quickly can mitigate the fallout. You may have to take more drastic measures though, like wiping your device, if the RAT spent time actively on your system.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ICLOUD Outlook Storage Scam
What is the ICLOUD Outlook storage scam?
This is a phishing scam where victims receive an email claiming their Outlook account linked to ICLOUD is almost full. It states this caused undelivered messages that are attached to the email. However, the attachments contain malware.
How does the scam email look believable?
The scam uses official logos and urgent wording about failed deliveries due to full storage. This tricks users into thinking ICLOUD sent it. The attachments are disguised as undelivered messages.
What happens if I open the attachments?
The Office document attachments contain macros that install the Agent Tesla remote access Trojan. This gives hackers control of your computer to steal data, install more malware, and spy through your webcam.
Should I click any links in the scam email?
No, the email contains no legitimate links. Any links are likely phishing sites or additional malware. Never click links or attachments from suspicious emails.
How do I tell this is fake and not real ICLOUD mail?
Real notifications from ICLOUD would not claim you have undelivered messages in a separate attachment. Unexpected attachments are a red flag. ICLOUD also doesn’t mention macros.
What should I do if I enabled macros from the attachment?
Immediately disconnect your device from all networks. Run antivirus scans to remove any malware installed. Also reset your Outlook password and contact ICLOUD support about the phishing attack.
How can I protect myself from this scam?
Watch for urgent emails with attachments from ICLOUD or Microsoft. Verify messages by contacting support. Never enable macros in documents from people you don’t know. Use antivirus software and be cautious.
What should I do if I think someone is accessing my account?
If you see unauthorized activity, immediately change your Outlook password and enable two-factor authentication. Review account statements for any unknown charges indicating stolen financial data. Place fraud alerts on your name if identity theft is suspected.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant Against Outlook Phishing Scams
Email scams targeting popular services like Outlook continue to grow in sophistication. This ICLOUD storage phishing campaign leverages timely social engineering to bypass user defenses. The urgent tone plus official-looking message tricks unwitting victims into installing sophisticated malware like Agent Tesla.
Stay vigilant against these types of phishing attempts. Warning signs include unexpected attachments, threats about account access being lost, and requests to enable macros. When in doubt, contact the service provider directly to confirm strange emails. Backups, antivirus software, and password managers are also essential precautions against phishing.
With attention and sound cybersecurity practices, users can better identify and stop these malicious attacks in their tracks. Don’t let emergent phishing scams like this Outlook impersonation fool you – be cautious about what links you click and attachments you open. Your data and device security depend on it.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
