- Quick Assist by Windows is a target for remote access scams and data theft.
- La Artificial Intelligence facilitates more sophisticated and personalized attacks.
- Microsoft detects and blocks thousands of suspicious access attempts to Quick Assist every day.
- The best protection is to be wary of unsolicited contacts and cautious about remote access requests.
In recent months, Microsoft has warned of a worrying increase in digital frauds using Quick Assist, the popular remote assistance tool built into Windows, as a gateway to illegally access users' computers. This situation affects both those who use windows 10 like Windows 11Therefore, it is important to be especially vigilant about the operating methods of those seeking to exploit this legitimate function for malicious purposes.
Remote assistance has become a common resource to solve everyday computer problems, especially since the popularization of teleworking and remote support. However, what is initially designed to make life easier for users and technicians can end up being a gateway for scammers if the proper precautions are not taken.
What is Quick Assist and why is it relevant in cybersecurity?
Quick Assist is a pre-installed application on Windows This allows a user to authorize, using a code, another person to temporarily view or control their computer. This tool is designed to help resolve incidents remotely, speeding up problem resolution without the need for physical travel.
The problem arises when Cybercriminals impersonate official technical support and convince users to grant them access, usually under the pretext of fixing non-existent system errors, optimizing the computer, or removing alleged detected threats. It is in this context that Social engineering and emotional manipulation play a decisive role.
The role of artificial intelligence in the evolution of scams
According to recent reports from Microsoft, the emergence of the artificial intelligence (IA) has multiplied the sophistication of attacksCybercriminals use advanced tools that allow them to create messages, web portals, credentials, and even visual identities that almost perfectly mimic those of Microsoft itself or recognized institutions.
AI also allows scanning the network in search of corporate and personal data, so that attackers can generate hyper-personalized lures for each victim. This personalization increases the level of credibility and minimizes suspicion, as the messages and pages users receive appear authentic in every detail.
Microsoft also highlights that strategies such as vishing (voice phishing) and scareware They are combined with persuasion techniques: criminals can trigger an alarm reaction through fake pop-ups or simulated system errors, so that the panicked victim quickly accepts the proposed help.
How fraud occurs using Quick Assist
The modus operandi detected by experts in ciberseguridad usually follows a very defined pattern:
- The user receives an unexpected communication, usually a phone call supposedly from Microsoft support (or another trusted company), alerting you to a critical or security issue with your computer.
- The scammer requests, with technical and persuasive arguments, the installation or opening of Quick Assist and asks for the code that the application generates, ensuring that this way he will be able to resolve the alleged problem immediately.
- By granting access, the attacker takes control from the victim's computer, being able to install malicious software, access confidential data, extract banking credentials or even spread the attack to other computers connected to the same network.
Some attackers have refined this process through the use of AI, allowing them to automate responses, simulate convincing support chats, or generate emails with a level of detail that is virtually indistinguishable from authentic messages.
Facts and figures: the magnitude of the problem
According to numbers provided by Microsoft, between April 2024 and April 2025, The company has managed to block fraud attempts worth up to $4.000 billion. Also An average of 4.415 suspicious connections are intercepted daily through Quick Assist, often coming from unverified networks or actors considered malicious.
This data demonstrates the extent of the threat and the need for users to understand that no platform, no matter how robust, is free from abuse if access is allowed to unauthorized persons.
Social engineering and the danger of unexpected calls
One of the points where experts insist the most is the manipulation through social engineeringAttacks are rarely solely technical; they often begin with a phone call in which the attacker, using real information about the victim or the company, presents themselves as a trusted agent.
Thanks to AI, they can now have detailed information about who answers the phone, learn about routines, work habits, or even recent system issues thanks to online and social media data collection. All with the goal of creating a credible context that leads the user to collaborate without questioning the legitimacy of the contact.
Quick Assist is not compromised, but the risk is real
Despite the alarm, Microsoft clarifies that Quick Assist and its systems have not been compromised nor do they contain vulnerabilities directly exploited by attackers.The problem lies precisely in the misuse of a legitimate application by granting access to unknown parties, not by technical failures of the tool.
"Quick Assist and Microsoft are not compromised in these cyberattack scenarios," the company explains, "however, the abuse of legitimate software presents a risk that Microsoft is focused on mitigating."
In this context, the multinational emphasizes that will never contact a user by phone if they have not expressly requested helpTherefore, any unexpected calls requesting to open Quick Assist or share access codes should be cause for suspicion.
Most widespread attack techniques: scareware and vishing
Among the tactics detected, scareware deserves special mention. It consists of pop-up windows or fake alerts that simulate critical operating system errors, pushing the user to seek immediate help. This alarm is exploited by scammers to make calls and offer assistance, with the intention of obtaining the desired remote access.
El vishing, on the other hand, is nothing more than phone phishing. Instead of deceptive emails, the attack is carried out through a direct call, often using number spoofing techniques to simulate the call coming from Microsoft, a bank, or another trusted entity.
Quick Assist and other emerging frauds: insights from Microsoft reports
The report Cyber Signals, prepared by Microsoft Security, highlights that Fraudulent use of Quick Assist is just one of many variants of AI-powered cyber scams.In addition to these types of frauds, malicious actors use AI to create fraudulent e-commerce sites, fake job profiles, or chatbots that simulate customer service and collect sensitive personal data.
It has been found that the Storm-1811 threat group has turned to Quick Assist as a way to impersonate legitimate technical support services. This reality has prompted Microsoft to strengthen its protection measures against domain spoofing in browsers like Edge and job posting verification on platforms like LinkedIn.
Tips and recommendations to avoid falling into the trap
- Be wary of any unsolicited contact that insists on helping you with technical issues or asks you to open Quick Assist. Microsoft, nor any other major company, will make these kinds of calls without your prior request.
- Never give out access codes generated by Quick Assist to unknown persons or unverified third parties.
- If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a call or email, contact official support yourself through the usual channels (website or trusted phone) before doing anything.
- Keep your operating system and applications updated, as new versions may include improvements in detecting suspicious behavior.
- Talk about this type of fraud with your family and coworkers., especially with people who are less accustomed to technology, so that they do not fall into the trap.
Microsoft initiatives and countermeasures
In its defense strategy, Microsoft has opted to integrate advanced detection systems against suspicious activity and registration, as well as strengthening collaboration with other technology companies, financial institutions, and public bodies.
Focus Fraud-resistant by Design It requires that every new product or service from the company incorporate verification and fraud mitigation mechanisms from the outset. The company insists that the fight against cyberthreats cannot be based solely on technology, but also depends on the training and awareness of users themselves.
What to do if you've fallen into the trap?
If you have nevertheless given access to a stranger via Quick Assist, immediately disconnect your computer from the Internet, change all your passwords from another device and contact official Microsoft support or a trusted professional to analyze possible damage or information theft.
Under no circumstances should you make bank transfers or provide additional financial information after a suspicious experience, and alert your bank if you have shared sensitive data.
The rapid proliferation of Quick Assist-based fraud is largely a reflection of cybercriminals' adaptability and ongoing technological advances. This context demands constant vigilance and adequate digital training to identify warning signs and avoid falling for increasingly sophisticated scams.
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