📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Don't Fall for This Google Docs Phishing Scam The 'highly sophisticated' phishing campaign appears to have hit a number of journalists, along with individuals from other industries.

By Angela Moscaritolo

entrepreneur daily

This story originally appeared on PCMag

Shutterstock.com

Did you click on an unsolicited Google Docs email invite yesterday? It might have been a scam.

According to Vice's Motherboard, online miscreants on Wednesday launched a "massive phishing campaign targeting Google accounts." The "highly sophisticated" campaign appears to have hit a number of journalists, along with individuals from other industries, the report notes.

The fraudulent emails include what appears to be a Google Doc link from someone the recipient knows. "These, however, are malicious emails designed to steal your Google password or hijack your account," Motherboard advises.

Reddit user JakeSteam, who received the phishing email, said clicking the purported Google Docs button in the message takes you to an actual Google page, which asks you to grant access to an app masquerading as Google Docs. Granting permission would give the attacker full access to your email messages and contacts. The email then replicates itself and spreads to "everyone you have ever emailed," according to JakeSteam.

Affected individuals who clicked "allow" should revoke access to the fake Google Docs app right away, JakeSteam recommends.

The attack can bypass two-factor authentication, so having that additional layer of security enabled won't help you. Note that it's still a good idea to have two-factor authentication enabled, as it makes your account much harder to crack.

Google did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment. But in a statement posted to the @GoogleDocs Twitter account, the company said "We have taken action to protect users against an email impersonating Google Docs [and] have disabled offending accounts. We've removed the fake pages, pushed updates through Safe Browsing and our abuse team is working to prevent this kind of spoofing from happening again. We encourage users to report phishing emails in Gmail."

This phishing campaign comes after attackers in January targeted Gmail users with a sophisticated ploy designed to steal usernames and passwords.

Angela Moscaritolo has been a PCMag reporter since January 2012. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

James Clear Explains Why the 'Two Minute Rule' Is the Key to Long-Term Habit Building

The hardest step is usually the first one, he says. So make it short.

Science & Technology

More Companies Are Rushing to Hire A Chief AI Officer — But Do You Need One? Here's What You Need to Know.

Companies are appointing executives to oversee AI. A better approach: infuse the technology throughout the organization.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Starting a Business

This Teacher and Mom Was Investigated by the Department of Education (Twice) for Being Too Good. She Used the Experience to Create a Million Dollar Business.

The CEO of Top Score Writing discusses how she founded her curriculum company and the lessons learned along the way.

Management

7 Ways You Can Use AI to 10x Your Leadership Skills

While technology can boost individual efficiency and effectiveness, it's essential to balance their use with human intuition and creativity to avoid losing personal connection and to optimize workplace satisfaction.