On July 20, 2025, Microsoft issued an urgent warning about active “zero-day” attacks targeting SharePoint Server, used by many government agencies and businesses. According to Microsoft, the hackers exploited a previously unknown flaw and put tens of thousands of servers at risk. The company released security patches and is urging all users to install them immediately. The FBI confirmed that they are investigating and working with agencies like CISA and the DOD Cyber Defense Command.
The Washington Post reported that both U.S. and international organizations have already been hit.
How Hackers Trick Systems by Pretending to Be Trusted Users
The most alarming aspect of the exploit is its stealth. The flaw lets hackers pretend to be trusted people or computers, so they can sneak into systems without getting noticed. This advanced attack method, which is known as network spoofing, is more commonly associated with state-sponsored hacking groups or elite cybercrime syndicates (it’s a rare and highly dangerous threat). According to cybersecurity experts, attackers are no longer just scanning for outdated software or weak passwords. They have now started to deploy advanced infiltration tactics to bypass traditional security layers altogether.
Microsoft’s Security Fixes Are Already Being Released
Microsoft has released immediate patches for affected versions. They have started with the SharePoint Subscription Edition, and are rolling out updates for SharePoint 2016 and 2019 in the coming days. Organizations are being urged to apply the patches without delay.
For those who are unable to update immediately, Microsoft recommends disconnecting the vulnerable servers from the internet to limit exposure. This may seem drastic, but experts agree that the threat is serious enough to justify such measures.
Global Authorities Step In, Is This A Coordinated Cyber Defense Effort?
The response to this threat is not limited to Microsoft alone. In a rare show of urgency, multiple U.S. and international security agencies, including the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Defense Cyber Command (DoD), and foreign cybersecurity teams, are now working together with Microsoft to mitigate the impact. Their teamwork shows the scale and seriousness of this cyberattack and how it could spread around the world if it’s not stopped soon.
Why Every Organization Should Pay Attention
What makes this threat very scary is how big the attack is and how smart the hackers are. Even though many businesses use SharePoint and think that it’s safe because it’s so common, this situation shows that it’s not always secure. In fact, its widespread use may be what made it an ideal target according to The Verge.
Industries that handle sensitive information, like healthcare, finance, energy, and government, should treat this as a top-priority security issue. This isn’t just a small problem. It’s like an open door into your computer system, and hackers have already started to walk in.
Is This A Cyber Emergency?
This isn’t your usual routine update. This is a flashing red alert from one of the biggest tech companies in the world. SharePoint servers are under active attack, and the methods used are both smart and deeply dangerous. Ignoring the warning could open the door to data theft, business disruption, and even national security risks.
Final Word
If your organization runs on on-premise SharePoint, don’t wait. Patch your systems right away , and take any necessary steps to protect your network. Even if you’re a small business, the risks are real, and the consequences for this can be devastating. As experts warn, this is not just another line in a changelog. It’s a full-scale cyber threat that demands immediate attention. Stay protected. Stay updated. Take this seriously.
