Massive Phishing Attack Targets 2 Billion Gmail Users

News Desk

Islamabad: A massive phishing campaign has put nearly two billion Gmail users at risk, as cyber criminals distribute fraudulent web pages designed to resemble legitimate login screens. These deceptive pages trick users into providing their credentials, compromising sensitive data.

This alarming security breach has raised concerns about the integrity of Gmail, the world’s most widely used free email service. Experts are urging users to activate spam filters to block phishing emails before they infiltrate inboxes.

However, if these malicious emails manage to bypass security systems, unsuspecting users could inadvertently enter their account details on counterfeit sites, granting hackers full access to their personal information.

Cybersecurity expert James Knight has warned that these phishing attacks pose significant risks, especially to businesses. He stressed the importance of exercising caution when clicking on links in emails, as even seemingly legitimate Gmail or Office login pages can be fraudulent.

“The most dangerous phishing attacks are those that proxy the connection between the user and the email service, allowing persistent access even with security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) in place,” Knight explained.

One of the most concerning tools used in this attack is Astaroth, a malware sold on the dark web that can bypass two-factor authentication. This allows hackers to impersonate victims and gain access not only to their email accounts but also to usernames, passwords, bank details, and credit card information.

The situation is further complicated by reports suggesting that dark web sellers are continually updating Astaroth, with six months of updates being distributed via the encrypted messaging app Telegram. As a result, tech giants like Microsoft may be forced to develop new security measures to combat these ever-evolving threats.

Tips to Manage Gmail Storage Efficiently

In other news, users looking to free up space in their Gmail accounts can follow several strategies to streamline their inbox and maintain a seamless workflow:

• Delete unnecessary or old emails: Spam, newsletters, and promotional emails can quickly fill up storage. Regularly deleting irrelevant emails helps free up space.
• Use Gmail’s filter feature: Gmail offers tools to categorize and filter emails, helping users stay organized.
• Empty Spam and Trash folders: After clearing your inbox, be sure to also empty your Spam and Trash folders.
• Consider alternative cloud storage options: Users may also explore other cloud storage services to manage their data more efficiently.
• Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters: Unsubscribe from irrelevant promotional emails to prevent clutter in your inbox.

For those needing more storage, Google offers paid options through Google One, with plans available for 30GB, 100GB, or 200GB per month.