FBI issues warning for Gmail users on AI phishing attacks: All the details

Gmail

Google’s popular email communication platform, Gmail, faces one of the biggest security risks currently of getting hacked by very dangerous phishing attackers. Reportedly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned people not to take unsolicited calls from people claiming to represent customer support, as Gmail users are targeted with a series of highly sophisticated AI-driven phishing scams.

Gmail under AI-driven phishing attacks: Everything you need to know

According to the latest Hoxhunt Phishing Trends report, AI-based phishing attacks have risen sharply since the beginning of 2022, with a staggering 49% increase in these attempts. Moreover, the number of threats created by AI now accounts for 4.7% of the total users and this is no small number, given the fact that more than 2.5 billion users actively use Gmail.

The report adds that attackers are now using artificial intelligence to craft personalized messages that mimic legitimate emails so flawlessly that even seasoned professionals can be deceived in a short space of time. Further, according to the cybersecurity company VIPRE, malicious links are the most preferred method for accessing any Gmail user’s private data, accounting for 70% of the cases.

How to protect yourself from Gmail phishing scams

The FBI has offered crucial advice to anyone looking to secure their Gmail accounts from such AI phishing attacks. Their simple but effective recommendation is to never click on links or open attachments from unknown emails or text messages. Moreover, users are advised to manually visit the website or service in question by typing the URL into their browser.

Additionally, Gmail users should enable two-factor (2FA) or multi-factor authentication on any Gmail account. Users are also advised to not share personal information online or on social media, as any type of such data, including pet's name, school's name, and date of birth can be used by scammers to hack your email account.