Google has issued a warning that a second wave of cyber threats against Gmail users is imminent, citing a surge in email traffic and persistent attackers. The company’s senior director of product management, Andy Wen, advised users to be cautious and take steps to protect their accounts.
Although phishing attacks have decreased by 35% during the holiday season compared to last year, Wen warned that attackers are becoming more aggressive and planning a second wave of attacks. Gmail has reported a third fewer scams, including phishing and malware, during the first month of the holiday season than in 2023.
To combat these threats, Google has developed new technology, including AI models that strengthen cyber-defenses. These models have enabled the blocking of 20% more spam by identifying malicious patterns.
Google has identified three types of attacks to watch out for:
1. Gmail Extortion Scams: These scams send emails with details of the victim’s home address and threats of physical harm or releasing damaging personal material.
2. Gmail Invoice Scams: These scams send fake invoices to trick recipients into contacting them to dispute charges, which can be done for a fee.
3. Gmail Celebrity Scams: These scams impersonate famous people, either by pretending to come from the celebrity themselves or claiming a given celebrity is endorsing a random product.
Google advises users not to focus solely on Gmail threats but to be aware of phishing attacks across all email platforms. Newly published research has revealed a sharp increase in phishing attacks targeting passwords and credentials.
To mitigate these threats, Google recommends taking the following steps:
* Take your time when responding to emails
* Do your research and validate the sender’s email address
* Do not send any information or payment without verifying the authenticity of the request
* Report suspicious emails as spam to help clean up your inbox and contribute to threat intelligence.
By taking these precautions, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/12/19/new-gmail-security-warning-for-25-billion-second-attack-wave-incoming