Microsoft Teams Enhances Security by Blocking External Bots in Meetings

Microsoft has introduced a new policy for Teams that allows administrators to automatically block external bots from joining meetings. This feature builds on a previous policy that required organizer approval for detected bots. The update aims to enhance meeting security by preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Organizations can activate this policy through the Teams admin center, where it will be off by default. The rollout is targeted for completion by the end of August 2026, with general availability expected by late September. This change is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to combat the rising threat of cyberattacks exploiting Teams for unauthorized access and lateral movement within networks. The company has noted an increase in attacks where threat actors impersonate IT staff to gain access to sensitive information. The new policy will help reduce organizational risk by ensuring that only approved participants can join meetings.

Key Points: • Microsoft Teams now allows automatic blocking of external bots from meetings. • The new policy enhances security by preventing unauthorized bot access without organizer approval. • This update is part of a broader effort to combat rising cyber threats targeting Teams.