2.5 billion Gmail users need to be vigilant and follow these things

A current phishing campaign is targeting around 2.5 billion accounts using Google's email app.

With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), these tactics are said to be particularly dangerous. The threat is dubbed DeepPhish and can create particularly convincing phishing emails that at first glance appear to be from real people users already know.

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This is because AI can use a user's personal information to build trust through subject lines and targeting information. To achieve this, AI collects data from various websites and identifies potential victims. Additionally, phishing is used to mimic an email address that resembles a real request.

The Aftermath of DeepPhish

A phishing attack like DeepPhish can range from losing money and stealing identities to completely taking over a user's device and data, which can then be used to launch further hacks. AI algorithms ensure that DeepPhish learns with each new attack and thus becomes increasingly dangerous.

AI can also be used to make attacks more effective. It makes it easier for cybercriminals to send trustworthy requests to many people, thus increasing the chances of a phishing attack being successful.

How to Protect Yourself from DeepPhish

However, there are still ways to protect users from DeepPhish attacks. These include:

- Always question any unknown contacts or unexpected emails. Look for signs that someone is not who they say they are and if in doubt, contact the person directly.

- Look out for typical signs of phishing attacks like unusual requests, urgency, or contradictory statements.

- Be careful when giving out personal information. This applies not only to the person you are emailing, but also to the internet as a whole. If you regularly share information about your private life on social media, you are especially at risk.

- Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and passcode locks. Each step that requires additional authentication is an additional layer of protection that an attacker must overcome.

- Stay up to date with the latest security updates and keep your devices up to date. Actively exploited vulnerabilities pose an additional threat.

- Train your eyes to recognize AI-generated content. There are typical signs that can be recognized in both text and images, no matter how sophisticated the AI.

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David Pac

Update 10 February 2025