A New Twist on Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals have adopted an unconventional approach to phishing by exploiting Google Calendar. Users are receiving phishing emails that appear to originate from Google Calendar, leveraging the platform's reputation for secure and reliable communication. These emails contain malicious links that, when clicked, direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal sensitive information such as login credentials and personal data.
How the Attack Works
The phishing campaign takes advantage of Google Calendar's event invitation feature. Attackers send fake event invitations embedded with malicious URLs, which unsuspecting recipients might believe are legitimate because of the platform's credibility. Once a victim interacts with the link, they are redirected to phishing pages masquerading as authentic Google or business login portals. These pages trick users into inputting their credentials, which are then harvested by the attackers.
Protecting Yourself Against Calendar Exploits
To defend against such attacks, users should be cautious about unexpected calendar invites or emails, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for Google accounts adds an additional layer of security. It is also advisable to inspect URLs before clicking and report suspicious activity to Google. Organizations should educate employees about these tactics and consider employing email security solutions that can flag potentially malicious messages.
