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Google Alert: Google Has issued a strict warning to 2.5 billion Gmail users from around the world to protect against cyber attacks. The company has asked all the users to immediately update their password and turn on two-step verification (2SV). In recent times, cases of hacking and data theft have increased, due to which Google has emphasized further strengthening security measures.

Shinyhunters hacking group became a big threat

According to reports, a hacking group called Shinyhunters is active since 2020. The group is inspired by Pokémon franchise and is associated with cyber attacks on big companies like AT & T, Microsoft, Santander and Ticketmaster. Their most common method is to send fishing email to users. Through this, hackers take sensitive information like password and 2SV code by taking fake login page.

Increasing danger of data leak

Google has clearly stated that so far the leaked data was already in a large extent in public domain. But in the coming times such attacks can be more dangerous. Google warned in its blog that Shinyhunters are now preparing to launch their data leak site (DLS), which may further increase blackmailing and data theft cases.

Google advice: immediately turn on 2SV

On August 8, Google advised to increase security by sending emails to potentially affected users. The company says that the two-step verification (2SV) makes the account several times safe. It has to enter an additional code after the password that comes directly on the user’s device. In this way, even if the password is hacked, the hackers cannot reach the account.

Why is two-step verification (2SV)?

Mirror US and Action Fraud have also described 2SV as the most effective security measures. According to Stop Think Fraud website, “2SV adds an additional layer of safety to your account. It takes only a few minutes to turn on, but it protects against fraud for a long time.” This feature is available not only for Gmail, but also for banking, social media and other online services.

Note

If you use Gmail, change your password immediately and turn on two-step verification. Google’s warning suggests that taking cyber security lightly can prove to be dangerous.