With the rapid growth of technology, more of our tasks are now done online. While this makes life more convenient, it also increases the risk of cyber threats like hacking, which puts user security at risk. Recently, a Microsoft employee shared a blog post warning that billions of Gmail users are at risk from these threats. So, what can you do to protect your account from hackers?
Hackers Are Tricking Gmail Users with Fake AI calls
Sam Mitrovic, a Microsoft employee, explained in a blog post that hackers are using new tricks to target Gmail users. He described how the attack started with an email titled “Confirm Gmail account recovery,” which many of us have seen before. Although it looked like a routine message, Mitrovic declined the recovery request right away, sensing something suspicious.
But that wasn’t the end of it. About 40 minutes later, he received an odd phone call from someone claiming to be from Google. Mitrovic, trusting his instincts, ignored the call. A week later, he received another recovery email, which he rejected again.
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Things took a more worrying turn when a second call came through. This time, Mitrovic answered. The caller claimed to be from Google Support, saying that his Gmail account had been hacked, and his data was in danger. However, Mitrovic noticed that the voice on the other end sounded very much like artificial intelligence (AI)—similar to the automated voices we hear today.
Realizing it was a scam, Mitrovic ended the call and avoided a potential hack. He later warned Gmail users to be extra cautious about these tactics.
How to Protect Yourself from Hackers
To keep your account safe, Mitrovic shared these important tips:
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra step to secure your account.
- Be cautious with emails that ask for account recovery or sensitive information. Always check if the request is legitimate.
- Report suspicious activity and use the security tools available, like those offered by Google.
As hackers become more creative, it’s important to stay alert and take these simple steps to protect yourself online.
Have you experienced anything similar? Feel free to share your thoughts!