Google Issued Password Warning for 2.5 Billion Accounts

Google has warned all 2.5 billion Gmail users to change their passwords after a security breach involving a Salesforce-related database. While Gmail and Google Cloud accounts weren’t directly hacked, the breach has led to a rise in fake emails and online scams.

After several reports of security issues, Google has sent out an urgent warning to its 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide. Millions of accounts may have been at risk, making this one of the biggest security alerts in recent years.

Google is alerting its 2.5 billion Gmail users to be careful because of a recent increase in smart phishing attacks targeting Gmail and Workspace accounts. 

A recent breach of Google’s Salesforce database exposed customer and company info. While no passwords were leaked, attackers are using this data to make phishing and scam calls more believable.

Although no passwords or private customer data were leaked, stolen business contact info has caused a rise in phishing emails and scam calls. Google says these attacks now cause 37% of all account hacks on its platforms.

Hackers used stolen business names and contacts to send convincing phishing emails and scam phone calls.Russian hackers have figured out how to get past some of Google’s security, putting certain accounts in danger. Google’s security team says targeted attacks have already happened, making this warning very important.

The question is should we be worried about it? Google Prioritise high level of security and involves a two-step authentication process but it seems that Russian hackers have found a new way to target older devices which do not support extra verification processes , so are more vulnerable to get hacked. 

According to Malwarebytes, hackers impersonate State Department officials to gain victims’ trust. Believing they are in a secure conversation, targets often grant full access to their Google accounts.

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Google has stated multiple ways to mitigate the risks like updating passwords, two-factor authentication, login alerts, filter detection, avoiding clicking on unsolicited links and additional tools to defend targets.