2.5 billion Gmail users at risk: Google database hacked

Hackers infiltrated Google 's massive database, targeting 2.5 billion Gmail users. A hacker group called ShinyHunters tricked a Google employee into gaining access to the system, which is managed through Salesforce.

Although the stolen data does not directly include passwords, scammers are reportedly trying to seize users' accounts by tricking them via phone and email.

In a June attack, a hacker group called ShinyHunters tricked a Google employee into giving them their login credentials. Using this information, the hackers then infiltrated Google's database, managed through Salesforce's cloud platform, and stole millions of business files.

Although Google stated that no passwords were compromised during the incident, attackers reportedly copied company names and customer contact information.

SCAMMERS POSE AS GOOGLE EMPLOYEES

Cybersecurity expert James Knight said the attack put Gmail users at serious risk. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Knight warned: “There’s a lot of vishing going on; people calling, pretending to be from Google, trying to get login codes. Nine times out of ten, it’s not actually from Google.”

SECURITY TIPS FROM EXPERTS

Knight urged everyone with a Gmail account to immediately review their account security. The expert's recommendations include: • Multi-factor authentication must be enabled. • Unique and strong passwords must be used. • Google security checks should be performed regularly. • Be wary of suspicious phone calls and text messages; never share codes.

GOOGLE REMAINS SILENT Google did not disclose how many customers were affected in a blog post published in August. Company spokesman Mark Karayan also declined to comment further. It is not yet known whether the attackers demanded a ransom from Google. Cybersecurity expert Knight emphasized that hackers could make a huge profit with this data: “These email addresses are truly worth their weight in gold. The hackers have made a lot of money,” he said. ShinyHunters has previously made headlines for cyberattacks targeting large companies.