Google warns Gmail users of potential hack by govt-backed attackers

Those who received the warning include journalists and activists


Tech Desk November 24, 2016
Most of the people receiving warning from Google are journalists and activists.

Google caused the internet to panic after it sent its Gmail users an email, warning that some state-sponsored hackers might be trying to break into their accounts.

The alert reads: "Government-backed attackers may be trying to steal your password."

Most of the people receiving the warning from Google are journalists and activists, including New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, and Stanford University professor Michael McFaul, among others.

Israeli firm can steal phone data in seconds







The alert is alarming as security experts warned that a Russian-government linked group, Cozy Bear, started attacking US-based policy think tanks, within hours of Donald Trump’s presidential election victory to seek information on the incoming administration.

If you use Yahoo Mail or any of its services, you need to do this now

Many users reported that Google displayed banners when account holders logged in. One of the red banners included large white text, stating: "Warning: Google may have detected government-backed attackers trying to steal your password."

https://twitter.com/AkinUnver/status/801432108791164928



However, these warnings are not new. Google has been advising users of government-backed attacks since 2012. In March this year, the search engine giant issued a full page warning regarding a similar attack.

Over 412 million adult-website credentials hacked

Talking to Mashable, a Google spokesperson said, "We send these warnings out of an abundance of caution — they do not indicate that a user's account has already been compromised or that a more widespread attack is occurring when they receive the notice."

Urging users to be alert, not alarmed, the spokesperson added: "Anyone that receives it should follow the instructions, and we further recommend that all users routinely do a Google Account Security Checkup".

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ