Massive Gmail breach exposes 2.5 billion accounts—check if yours is at risk
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If you’re one of the billions of people who rely on Gmail to keep in touch with family, friends, and businesses—or even just to keep track of your online shopping receipts—this is a story you’ll want to pay close attention to.
In a world where our digital lives are more important than ever, news has broken of a massive Gmail breach that could affect up to 2.5 billion accounts worldwide.
Yes, you read that right—2.5 billion!
Earlier this month, Google revealed that a notorious hacker group known as ShinyHunters managed to breach its defences by targeting a staff member and tricking them into handing over login details.
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill phishing email—these hackers are experts in what’s called 'social engineering,' which means they use psychological tricks and impersonation to get people to give up sensitive information.
Once inside, the hackers accessed Google’s Salesforce database. According to Google, the data they got was 'confined to basic and largely publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details.'
However, with 2.5 billion accounts potentially exposed, even basic information in the wrong hands can be dangerous.
The real danger comes after the breach. ShinyHunters have been posing as Google employees, contacting victims through phone calls, emails, and text messages.
Their goal is tto trick you into handing over your login details or resetting your password, giving them full access to your account.
Cybersecurity expert James Knight has warned of a 'huge increase' in these types of attacks, especially what’s known as 'vishing' (voice phishing).
That’s when someone calls you, pretending to be from Google, and tries to convince you to share your login codes or reset your password.
'If you do get a text message or a voice message from Google, don’t trust it’s from Google. Nine times out of 10, it’s likely not,' Knight cautioned.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because ShinyHunters have been behind some of the biggest data breaches in recent years.
In 2024, they reportedly stole 1.3 terabytes of customer data from Ticketmaster, and in 2023, they accessed the data of 200,000 Australian Pizza Hut customers.
We know that many of our Seniors Discount Club members use Gmail to keep in touch with loved ones, manage finances, and access important services.
Scams like these can be especially distressing, as they often target people who may not be as familiar with the latest digital tricks.
Remember, you’re not alone—these hackers are targeting people of all ages and backgrounds. The best defence is to stay informed and cautious.
Have you received any suspicious calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from Google or another big company? How did you handle it? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Read more: Hackers breach 184 million accounts—act now to protect yours
In a world where our digital lives are more important than ever, news has broken of a massive Gmail breach that could affect up to 2.5 billion accounts worldwide.
Yes, you read that right—2.5 billion!
Earlier this month, Google revealed that a notorious hacker group known as ShinyHunters managed to breach its defences by targeting a staff member and tricking them into handing over login details.
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill phishing email—these hackers are experts in what’s called 'social engineering,' which means they use psychological tricks and impersonation to get people to give up sensitive information.
Gmail breach affects 2.5 billion accounts after Shinyhunters gain access to business names and contact details. Credit: Depositphotos
Once inside, the hackers accessed Google’s Salesforce database. According to Google, the data they got was 'confined to basic and largely publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details.'
However, with 2.5 billion accounts potentially exposed, even basic information in the wrong hands can be dangerous.
The real danger comes after the breach. ShinyHunters have been posing as Google employees, contacting victims through phone calls, emails, and text messages.
Their goal is tto trick you into handing over your login details or resetting your password, giving them full access to your account.
Cybersecurity expert James Knight has warned of a 'huge increase' in these types of attacks, especially what’s known as 'vishing' (voice phishing).
That’s when someone calls you, pretending to be from Google, and tries to convince you to share your login codes or reset your password.
'If you do get a text message or a voice message from Google, don’t trust it’s from Google. Nine times out of 10, it’s likely not,' Knight cautioned.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because ShinyHunters have been behind some of the biggest data breaches in recent years.
In 2024, they reportedly stole 1.3 terabytes of customer data from Ticketmaster, and in 2023, they accessed the data of 200,000 Australian Pizza Hut customers.
Scams like these can be especially distressing, as they often target people who may not be as familiar with the latest digital tricks.
Remember, you’re not alone—these hackers are targeting people of all ages and backgrounds. The best defence is to stay informed and cautious.
Read more: Hackers breach 184 million accounts—act now to protect yours
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