Starbound Academy

Think before you click 'Allow'

Starbound Academy · Lesson 2 · About 5 minutes of reading

Most phishing tries to steal your password. Consent phishing doesn't need it. It asks you to click one button: "Allow" (or "Accept").

What it is

An attacker creates an app and sends you a link, often dressed up as "open this shared document." The link opens a real sign-in or permission screen from Microsoft or Google that asks: "Let this app read your mail and files?" If you click "Allow," the app gets access through OAuth (Open Authorization), the standard that lets one app use your account on another service. Microsoft calls this an illicit consent grant [1][2].

Why it is dangerous

How to read a permission screen

  1. Did you start this? If a surprise email led you here, stop.
  2. Who is the publisher? Unknown or unverified publisher is a warning sign. A "verified" badge helps, but Microsoft says you should still review what the app asks for [2].
  3. Do the permissions fit the job? A "PDF viewer" that wants to read and send your mail is a reason to stop.
  4. Spelling mistakes in the app name or screen are a red flag. Don't trust a familiar-looking name or web address on its own [2].

Prefer read-only. If an app you really need offers a choice, give it the least access: "view" instead of "edit," one calendar instead of all your mail. Never grant "send mail" or "full access" unless you're sure why the app needs it.

Review and revoke connected apps

If you already clicked "Allow"

Tell IT or security right away. That is normal, and fast reporting helps. Revoke the app's access (a password change alone is not enough [1]). IT can check audit logs and what the app touched [1].

For team leaders

Ask IT to let users approve only apps from verified publishers with low-risk permissions, and to review consented apps regularly [2].

Takeaway

"Allow" hands over a key.

☐ Read the screen: publisher and permissions.

☐ Review your connected apps regularly and remove what you don't recognize.

☐ Not sure? Don't click. Tell IT.

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going" (Proverbs 14:15).

Sources

  1. Microsoft Learn: Detect and remediate illicit consent grants
  2. Microsoft Learn: Protect against consent phishing
  3. Microsoft Support: Edit or revoke application permissions in the My Apps portal
  4. Google Account Help: Manage links between your Google Account & apps from other developers
  5. Google Workspace Admin Help: Control which apps access Google Workspace data

With care, the Starbound team