Cybercriminals Targeting Gmail Users: How to Protect Your Google Account

- Cybercriminals are using AI to take over Google accounts, with Gmail users being an easy target.

AI Used by Cybercriminals to Take Over Google Accounts

Researchers from cyber platform Malwarebytes have uncovered how criminals are taking over Google accounts with their latest scam. Users receive a phone call from scammers claiming their account is at risk. However, this call is made using deepfake technology, making it seem as human as possible, when in reality, it's an AI bot.

After the call, users receive instructions to recover their account via an email containing a recovery code. Deceptively, the email looks very official, again thanks to AI. Users are asked to share this code with 'Google'. It's unnecessary under normal circumstances, but sharing the code allows cybercriminals to take over the account.

These are not new techniques. The FBI warned last May that cybercriminals are using these advanced methods to scam people. With AI, which is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from real, they can not only access funds but also steal personal data. Gmail, with 1.8 billion users worldwide as revealed by the mentioned study, is a prime target.

Tips to prevent scams have been shared before and remain the same: avoid clicking on links from emails you wouldn't normally receive, use security software on your devices, and preferably enable two-factor authentication for logins. Regularly checking your accounts for suspicious activity is also recommended.