Gmail and Google Calendar Cyber Incursions: Safeguarding Your Data
Security alerts about potential threats to Google applications, such as Gmail and Calendar, are a common occurrence in the news, and for valid reasons. These platforms are often targeted by cybercriminals and hackers due to their extensive user base. So, what are the latest threats you need to be aware of, and how can you protect yourself? Let's delve into it.
Recent Threats to Google Calendar and Mitigation Strategies
Stu Sjouwerman, the CEO and founder of KnowBe4, human risk management specialists, issued a warning about an ongoing attack campaign that exploits Google Calendar invites. With just your Gmail address, attackers can send you an invite, which will automatically appear in your calendar. This isn't a new tactic, as I've been writing about such abuse of Google Calendar invites for years over at Our Website.com. If you're interested in the most recent threat tactics, I suggest checking out a report from Popular Science that Sjouwerman referenced.
Fortunately, mitigating these attacks is relatively straightforward. Head to the Google Calendar settings and event settings, then disable the option to automatically add invitations. If you also disable the automatic addition of events from Gmail to your calendar, genuine automatic invites will also be disabled, which may impact functionality. Therefore, it's up to you to decide whether usability or security takes priority.
Sjouwerman warned that although the current calendar spam is generic and used as phishbait, it could easily be utilized for more targeted and sophisticated attacks in the future.
Google recommends that users with an eligible Google Workspace subscription can use email verification for appointment schedules to prevent unwanted appointments. This feature requires guests to verify their email addresses before scheduling an appointment in Google Calendar, which is only required for users who aren't signed in to a Google Account. More information about Google Calendar privacy options can be found here.
Similar warnings have been issued recently about ClickFix attackers using fake Google Meet pages, so it's essential to be aware of this interactive meetings attack surface.
Lastly, Check Point published a report about a new Google Calendar notification attack that bypasses email security policies.
Gmail security and Google Calendar security are crucial aspects to consider due to the platforms' extensive user base, making them common targets for cybercriminals and hackers. Stu Sjouwerman, from KnowBe4, recently warned about an ongoing attack campaign exploiting Google Calendar invites, where attackers can automatically add invites to your Gmail and Google Calendar without your approval. Google recommends enabling email verification for appointment schedules for Google Workspace subscribers to prevent unwanted appointments, requiring guests to verify their email addresses before scheduling. It's also important to be aware of ClickFix attackers using fake Google Meet pages, as well as a new Google Calendar notification attack that bypasses email security policies. Enhancing Gmail security and Google Calendar security measures can help protect yourself from these threats.