Google Warns 2.5 Billion Gmail Users About AI-Driven Hacking—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Google has issued a global alert urging all Gmail users to take immediate action to secure their accounts. The warning comes amid growing threats of AI-driven hacking techniques, which have put an estimated 2.5 billion Gmail accounts at risk.

If you use Gmail on any device, it's essential to understand how these attacks work and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Hackers Are Using AI to Target Gmail Users

According to a Forbes report, hackers are impersonating Google support agents to trick users into revealing sensitive account details. These cybercriminals call users, claiming their Gmail accounts have been compromised and that they need to take urgent action to recover them.

They often create a sense of panic by stating that your personal data is at risk or that they have gained access to your account. To make their scam more convincing, they ask for your Gmail recovery code, claiming it's needed to restore your account. However, once you share this code, the hacker can take full control of your Gmail account.

How to Protect Your Gmail Account

Google strongly advises against sharing recovery codes and recommends enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. If you've already given out your recovery code to someone posing as a Google support agent, follow these steps immediately to secure your account:

• Open Settings on your Android device.

• Go to Google and select your Google account.

• Click on Manage your Google account and navigate to the Security tab.

• Under How to sign in, select Password.

• Enter a new password and click Change Password.

• If you can't access your account, use Forgot my password and answer security questions to reset it.

Why Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is Crucial

Google emphasizes that enabling two-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Even if hackers obtain your password, they won't be able to log in without the second verification step.

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