Microsoft is preparing to launch a security update for Teams that identifies and labels third-party bots waiting in meeting lobbies. This enhancement gives organizers the power to vet automated accounts separately from human participants to prevent unauthorized access.
Microsoft plans to implement this feature by May 2026, making it available across desktop and mobile platforms for standard and government cloud users. Under the new system, any external bot attempting to enter a call will be clearly flagged in the waiting area. This prevents non-human entities from blending in with a list of invited guests or legitimate attendees.
Once the update is live, meeting organizers must provide explicit permission for these bots to join the session. This requirement ensures that automated tools are never accidentally admitted as part of a group. By separating the approval process, the platform guarantees that organizers maintain absolute control over who or what is present during a discussion.
This change is specifically designed to stop malicious actors from using bots to eavesdrop or disrupt communications. While bots are often used for helpful tasks like transcription or note-taking, they can also be used as tools for data theft if left unmonitored. The new labeling system makes it impossible for a non-human participant to join without the knowledge of the meeting host.
The bot identification update is part of a broader push by Microsoft to strengthen the security of its collaboration software. Earlier this year, the company introduced tools for reporting suspicious calls and identifying potential phishing scams. These layers of protection are intended to shield users from increasingly sophisticated social engineering tactics.
Furthermore, administrators have gained more power to block external threats through centralized security portals. These combined efforts aim to neutralize the tactics used by ransomware groups and other cybercriminals who exploit communication platforms to target employees. By tightening lobby controls and call verification, the service is becoming a more difficult environment for bad actors to navigate.
Source: Microsoft Teams Will Tag Third-Party Bots Attempting to Join Meetings