Google warns Gmail users of potential hack by govt-backed attackers
Those who received the warning include journalists and activists
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."
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."
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".
The alert reads: "Government-backed attackers may be trying to steal your password."
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."
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".