Microsoft issues security alert over cyber attack

New Delhi : Microsoft has issued a security alert to some of its web users for a possible hacker attack that could check their email accounts illegally, said a report.

Some of the users reportedly received an email notification on Saturday with a warning that their email accounts may have unauthorised access by cyber criminals.

"We have identified that a Microsoft support agent's credentials were compromised, enabling individuals outside Microsoft to access information within your Microsoft email account between January 1 and March 28," Xinhua quoted Microsoft as saying in the email.

The unauthorised access could have allowed cyber criminals to access the information of Microsoft email user accounts, such as email address, folder names, and the subject lines of emails, it said.

However, the attachments in the mail could not be accessed by the attackers.

"Microsoft regrets any inconvenience caused by this issue," said the company, recommending that affected users reset their login passwords.

The company assured its users that it has immediately disabled the compromised credentials to prevent their use for any further unauthorised access.