2.5 billion Gmail accounts at risk
All Gmail users worldwide have received an urgent warning from Google to change their passwords and turn on two-step verification (2SV) right away. The warning comes as hackers intensify their attacks, many of which are connected to the notorious cybercriminal organization ShinyHunters.
The ShinyHunters: Who Are They?
ShinyHunters has been active since 2020 and has been responsible for multiple high-profile data breaches at AT&T, Microsoft, Santander, and Ticketmaster, among other firms. Their primary weapon? Phishing emails deceive recipients into clicking on phony login links or divulging private information like security codes and passwords.
Google has cautioned that the organization is getting ready for more severe attacks, even though the majority of the stolen data has so far been made public. According to reports, ShinyHunters might even start a website that leaks data in order to intensify their extortion schemes.
Even if hackers manage to get your password, 2SV prevents them from breaking in without a second key, which is typically given to your phone or another trusted device. Consider it an additional lock on your electronic door.
Experts support the caution.
Authorities in cybersecurity are reiterating Google’s statement. According to the UK’s Action Fraud program, “Enable 2SV to secure your email account.” Even if crooks know your password, it can prevent them from entering.
Likewise, the Stop Think Fraud website emphasizes how simple and quick it is to activate: “2SV adds an additional degree of security to your most crucial accounts. It could protect you from severe fraud and just takes a few minutes to set up.
Google has released an urgent security notice that affects its 2.5 billion Gmail users globally in response to allegations of many hacks that revealed serious flaws in user accounts. Millions of accounts may have been compromised, according to several reports, making this one of the biggest security alerts in recent memory.
