FBI Alert: What Is 'Kali365,' the New Phishing Tool Targeting Outlook and OneDrive?
FBI Alert: What Is 'Kali365,' the New Phishing Tool Targeting Outlook and OneDrive?
The FBI has issued a public warning about a new phishing platform targeting Microsoft 365 users. The alert is driving more than 20,000 Google searches in the United States, a surge tracked by Kiolix Pulse as a top rising keyword.
Background: FBI Public Safety Announcement
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) published a Public Safety Announcement on May 21 about a phishing service called Kali365. The fact that the FBI issued a dedicated public announcement about a new phishing kit signals the seriousness of the threat.
What Is Kali365?
Kali365 is a Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platform designed to let even low-skilled attackers hijack Microsoft 365 accounts. Rather than stealing passwords, the platform works by stealing access tokens.
Cybercriminals subscribe to Kali365 and can immediately run token-stealing campaigns at scale. The service provides AI-generated phishing emails, automated campaign templates, real-time individual tracking dashboards, and OAuth token capture capabilities.
The platform was first spotted in April and is primarily distributed via Telegram. Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender has described it as a "subscription service for scammers."
How the Attack Works
The attack begins with a phishing email impersonating a trusted source, such as a document-sharing or cloud collaboration service. The email contains a device code along with instructions to visit an official Microsoft verification page and enter the code.
When the victim enters the code, they unknowingly grant the attacker access to their account. What makes this especially dangerous is that the victim is directed to a real Microsoft URL — the page looks entirely legitimate, which lowers suspicion significantly.
Once the attacker captures the OAuth access token, they can access the victim's Microsoft 365 account without ever needing a password, gaining entry to Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.
Why Multi-Factor Authentication Does Not Stop This
The core danger of this phishing method is that it bypasses multi-factor authentication (MFA). Attackers obtain both access and refresh tokens, enabling persistent access to the compromised account.
As long as the stolen refresh token remains valid, attackers can continue using Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive without logging in again. This means victims may remain unaware that their accounts have been compromised for an extended period.
FBI and Microsoft Recommendations
Microsoft stated it is "actively working to disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystems behind phishing-as-a-service and account takeover activity." Both the FBI and Microsoft urge users to watch for red flags when reviewing emails and messages.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a Kali365 phishing attack is encouraged to file a complaint at IC3.gov, including information about any unauthorized devices or active sessions added to the account.
The FBI advises users to follow these precautions:
- Never open email attachments from unknown senders
- Exercise caution with forwarded email attachments
- Limit the use of device authentication codes
- Report suspicious activity promptly at IC3.gov
U.S. Search Trends
According to Kiolix Pulse data, searches related to "fbi alert outlook onedrive" surpassed 20,000 in 🇺🇸 the United States, placing the topic among the top rising keywords tracked by the platform. The spike coincides with the FBI's public announcement and widespread simultaneous coverage across major news outlets.
Related Links
- Kiolix Pulse trend detail: fbi alert outlook onedrive (20K+)
- Kiolix Pulse: https://pulse.kiolix.com
Sources
- https://www.kvue.com/article/news/nation-world/fbi-warning-phishing-tool-kali365-microsoft-accounts/507-1562564a-be79-4073-b4d9-b64f1c666456
- https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/scams/2026/05/kali365-phishing-kit-bypasses-mfa-and-steals-microsoft-logins
- https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5897640-cyber-attackers-are-hijacking-microsoft-outlook-teams-and-365-log-ins-fbi-says/
- https://www.govtech.com/security/fbi-issues-scam-warning-for-users-of-microsoft-outlook-teams
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