New AI Phishing Scam Puts Gmail Users at Risk

Written by Camilla Jessen

Oct.15 - 2024 2:24 PM CET

Technology
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A new wave of phishing scams is hitting Gmail users. Here's what you need to know.

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Cybercriminals have stepped up their phishing game, using artificial intelligence (AI) to target Gmail users with convincing fake emails and phone calls that impersonate Google employees.

This new phishing scam involves AI-generated emails and speech synthesis, making it harder for victims to recognize the deception.

How the Scam Works

The phishing attempt usually starts with a seemingly legitimate account recovery email from what appears to be Google.

Shortly after, victims receive a follow-up phone call, with attackers claiming urgency to further pressure the target into revealing their personal login information.

What's particularly alarming is that the scammers use real Google phone numbers, making the attack seem even more trustworthy.

As reported by Die Zeit, Google has taken steps to combat these threats by implementing the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), a platform that helps detect cybercrime faster.

How to Protect Yourself

Experts recommend never sharing sensitive information like passwords or login details over the phone or email, even if the message seems legitimate.

Activating two-factor authentication is also an essential step to add extra layers of security to your accounts.