Phishing remains an active threat even today and the attackers are diversifying how and what they use. One of the most common forms is Gmail Calendar Alert Phishing which maliciously uses Gmail’s tool of automatically scheduling an event. Being informed is half the battle when it comes to safety – here’s everything you need to know.
What do you understand about Gmail Calendar Alert Phishing?
Google Calendar is a reliable tool for managing time and untimate calendar. By default, it allows events to be added automatically if linked to your email. Chronic peculiarity of this feature is that attackers can send spam emails containing other malicious invitations to events.
Said fake events go directly to your calendar, arranging for pop up alert or reminder for them. It contains event descriptions including “Account Suspended – Verify Now” type of messages to “You’ve Won a Prize” kind of offers. Claim Here.” These messages are aimed at making the recipient click the URLs contained in them. Because the links direct people to fake accounts to steal their identity or wallets.
How Does This Scam Work?
The Initial Email: One of the attacks is where attackers send a fake event invitation which Google links to its Gmail to Google Calendar.
Automatic Entry: Calendar settings whereby the event runs adds the event to your calendar, to give alert or notification.
User Interaction: When the alert is received, the user is either alarmed or interested to check out the event which contains an embedded link.
Phishing Website: It leads to the fake site that copies the appearance of the authentic services . It demands personal and authentication data, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
How to Protect Yourself
Change Calendar Settings: Now, turn on Google Calendar, reach the settings by clicking the gear icon on the top left . Select ‘Event Settings’ In the Space management section, set ‘Add invitations’ to ‘Only if the sender is known’ or ‘No, only show invitations I’ve responded to.’
Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Stay skeptical about unknown or unexpected event descriptive words and links, especially those that encourage you to act quickly.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For more safety level boost up your Gmail account by using two-factor authentication.
Report Suspicious Activity: Mark the Emails, or the calendar events as spam, to avoid making the account an easy target for the perps.
Keep Software Updated: Check that applications on your gadgets and the devices are updated as much as possible to reduce risks.
Final Thoughts
Gmail Calendar Alert Phishing is a rather smart move but it is one that you cannot fall victim to. Especially if you are keen and willing to make the necessary changes on the Gmail settings. Learning how this scam is conducted and what measures have to be followed will help prevent identity and financial theft. Stay alert and stay safe!
You can also read:
https://appslova.com/how-to-backup-contacts-in-android/
