Google has issued a critical security advisory to its 2.5 billion Gmail users, warning of an increase in scams during the holiday season. The announcement, shared via the company’s Product News blog, highlights the heightened risk of cybercriminal activity as email traffic surges during this period.
Describing the holiday season as a prime time for scammers, Google emphasized its commitment to user safety. “With more than 2.5 billion users, Gmail is the world’s largest email provider, and we know how important it is to keep inboxes everywhere safe. We invest heavily to meet this responsibility, blocking more than 99.9% of spam, phishing, and malware in Gmail,” the company stated.
Google noted a significant rise in scam attempts since mid-November, with cybercriminals employing evolving tactics to exploit users. Among the most prevalent scams are fake invoice schemes, celebrity impersonations, and extortion attempts, each designed to manipulate victims into providing sensitive information or making payments.
The tech giant also provided actionable advice to help users safeguard their accounts, including verifying email authenticity, avoiding impulsive actions, and reporting suspicious emails. Google underscored the importance of these measures in mitigating risks during the holiday season.
Additionally, Google highlighted advancements in artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of its cybersecurity efforts. Recent innovations, including a large language model trained to detect phishing and spam, have enhanced Gmail’s defenses, blocking 20% more spam and processing significantly more user-reported threats.
As cybercriminals ramp up their activities, Google urges its users to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their accounts.