Google’s databases got hacked, and now 2.5 billion Gmail users are at risk . Hackers from a group called ShinyHunters managed to get access to Google’s Salesforce database systems .
2.5 billion Gmail users are at risk following Google database hack
Googl e did issue a response to the initial report. The company says that while the attackers did get general time data, like customer and company names, they did not manage to get their hands on passwords.
So, it’s not exactly a total disaster, but still, this will make you more prone to phishing attempts, that’s for sure. The attackers managed to get a ton of customer data, so phishing emails will likely go into overdrive.
Initial reports of phishing attacks are all over Reddit
Initial reports of such attempts are already appearing online , as users are sharing experiences on Reddit. Users are saying that alleged Google employees have contacted them by phone in order to inform them of a security breach in their accounts.
In such scam attempts, attackers are trying to take over Gmail accounts. How? Well, they’re trying to trigger “account resets”, and then intercepting passwords to lock out the account holders.
That’s just one way of doing it. Another attack method is called “dangling buckets” i.e. outdated access addresses. It’s trying to steal data from or inject malware into Google Cloud.
Make sure your Google security settings are in order, and be vigilant
Still, if you’re careful, the attackers can’t really do anything. You should go through your Google Security Checkup in order to patch up holes. On top of that, activate Google’s Advanced Protection Program, and use passkeys instead of passwords.
All that, plus just a little bit of common sense, and you’ll be more than secure in this whole mess. All sorts of privacy and security issues have been popping up, and it has been that way for years. Attackers are constantly trying to up their game, while companies like Google, McAfee , Meta, and others, are trying to counter them.
