A new malicious email is plaguing Gmail and targeting users around the world. If you fall into the trap, your personal data could be stolen and used against you.
This threat present on Gmail uses a technique that has already proven itself among cybercriminals: phishing. This type of digital fraud involves sending emails that appear to come from a legitimate source to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information or downloading dangerous files. This time, the hackers have taken a new step by perfecting their strategy and targeting Gmail users with formidable precision.
Indeed, cybersecurity experts have recently sounded the alarm. This attack does not only target a few isolated users, but deploys a massive campaign on a global scale. The hackers behind this fraud use falsified Gmail accounts to send emails that appear completely authentic. The content is carefully written and personalized for each recipient, making deception difficult to detect. The technique? These messages claim that you have infringed copyright on your social networks. They request immediate removal of the offending content and include detailed instructions for downloading a file. That’s when everything changes. This file contains malware that can take control of your computer. Once installed on a device, it starts spying on the system and extracts sensitive data. Passwords, banking identifiers, personal data: nothing is spared. And the consequences can be catastrophic.
Additionally, this malware is so sophisticated that it can go unnoticed for a while, continuing to siphon off your information without you realizing it. This is why cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of never clicking on the link in question or downloading the file mentioned, even if the email appears legitimate. So, if you receive an email like this, delete the message immediately.
You can also report the email as phishing directly in Gmail. To do this, open the email, click on the three dots at the top right, and select “Report as phishing”. It is also advisable to update your security software and perform a full scan of your system if you have the slightest doubt. Increased vigilance can save you from major inconveniences.