New Delhi – Google has issued an urgent alert to its 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide, advising them to change their passwords immediately and enable two-step verification (2SV) to protect against rising cyberattacks.
The warning follows a surge in account breaches linked to ShinyHunters, a well-known hacking collective active since 2020. The group has previously been linked to high-profile data breaches involving AT&T, Microsoft, Santander, and Ticketmaster.
How Hackers Target Gmail Users
ShinyHunters are known for using phishing attacks — emails designed to trick recipients into entering their login details on fake websites. In some cases, users are also manipulated into sharing verification codes, giving hackers access to their accounts.
While much of the compromised data in recent campaigns has been publicly available, Google cautioned that the methods could evolve into more targeted and damaging attacks.
Google’s Advice to Users
To stay secure, Google is urging Gmail users to:
- Change their passwords immediately, especially if reused across platforms.
- Enable two-step verification (2SV) for an added layer of protection.
- Be cautious of suspicious emails, links, and requests for personal information.
Cybersecurity experts stress that phishing remains one of the most effective tools for hackers, and users must remain vigilant to protect personal and financial information.
Source: India Today (Unnati Gusain)
Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner
