A sophisticated phishing campaign is exploiting Google Calendar to deceive Gmail users, raising alarms among cybersecurity experts.
According to Check Point Software Technologies, cybercriminals are sending fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate.
These invitations redirect victims to phishing sites designed to mimic Google's own platforms, where they are asked to provide sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details.
How the Scam Works
Hackers leverage the trust in Google’s services to carry out their attacks.
Victims receive seemingly authentic meeting invites via Google Calendar, according to Trend.
Upon clicking links within these invites, they are taken to fake webpages that prompt them to input personal data.
Once compromised, this information can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to other accounts.
Security experts warn that attackers are now using AI to craft highly convincing fake invitations, making it even harder to spot the fraud.
Protect Yourself
To safeguard against this type of phishing, experts recommend the following steps:
Scrutinize Invitations: Be wary of any invites asking for unusual actions or sensitive information.
Verify Links: Hover over links to inspect their destination before clicking. Avoid suspicious URLs.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security can block unauthorized access, even if your credentials are stolen.
Organizations are advised to adopt advanced email security measures, require multi-factor authentication, and monitor suspicious activity.
Raising awareness about phishing threats among employees can further reduce the risk of successful attacks.
Balder Borup, a Security Engineer at Check Point Software Technologies Denmark, emphasized the increasing sophistication of such attacks due to advancements in artificial intelligence.
"These phishing attempts exploit trust in widely used platforms, making them particularly effective," he said.
