Microsoft has restored services affected by a widespread outage that began on November 12, 2026. The outage impacted various Microsoft platforms, including Outlook. Although services have been restored, some users may still experience disruptions as normal operations resume. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) issued a joint alert on November 13, 2026, warning Ghanaians about potential phishing attempts and fake technical support messages.
The CSA and NITA cautioned that cybercriminals may pose as Microsoft representatives or IT support personnel, sending messages offering to fix affected accounts or restore access. These messages may contain links or attachments designed to steal users' login details or sensitive information. The public has been advised not to click on suspicious links or open attachments related to the outage, password resets, account verification, or service restoration.
Users are urged to exercise caution when interacting with emails or messages, especially those containing urgent or threatening language. They should verify the authenticity of requests and avoid sharing sensitive information, such as passwords, one-time codes, or multi-factor authentication (MFA) approvals. The CSA and NITA also advised businesses and individuals to be cautious when sharing sensitive documents through messaging applications during the disruption.
The CSA and NITA have provided contact information for technical assistance and to report suspected cybercrime. The public can reach the CSA through its 24-hour reporting point on 292 by call or text, WhatsApp on 0501603111, or email at [email protected]. NITA can be contacted through [email protected] or 055 249 9661.
The joint alert was issued by the CSA and NITA on November 13, 2026, to raise awareness about the potential risks and promote cybersecurity best practices. The agencies aim to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting the situation and protect Ghanaians from phishing scams.
The Microsoft outage and subsequent warning from the CSA and NITA highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and vigilance. Ghanaians are advised to remain cautious when interacting with online messages and to prioritize the protection of their sensitive information.
The incident serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including verifying the authenticity of requests, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. By taking these precautions, Ghanaians can minimize the risk of falling victim to phishing scams and protect their online security.
Key points
- The CSA and NITA warn Ghanaians to be cautious of phishing attempts and fake technical support messages following a widespread Microsoft outage.
- Microsoft has restored services affected by the outage, but some users may still experience disruptions.
- The public is advised to report suspected cybercrime to the CSA on 292 or through other provided contact channels.
