Having over three billion users globally, Gmail remains a place that attracts scammers who aim to take advantage of a large number of users. As we have become familiar with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, such a technology comes with the advancement of hacking tactics as well. Among the newest threats is using artificial Intelligence algorithms in crafting a credible email spoofing.
It is thus becoming ever-challenging to discern between actual communications and similar scams. Starting from the phishing campaign, which seeks to gain unauthorized access to the target’s personal details, to malware hidden in the receivers’ attachments, spoofs are lethal when driven by artificial intelligence. Lucky for Gmail users, there are various means through which people can safeguard their accounts from such cyberattacks.
How AI Spoofing Works
A spoofing is similar to other forms of legitimate communication the writing style, tone, and/or format of which is replicated by the cybercriminal. These attacks can be especially destructive since they can forge new messages that look like they are from a familiar person or company, bank, store, or a friend.
Using machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze previously exchanged mail conversations and generate a very apt mail for a specific user and so, make the spoofed mail seem more believable. A user may be required to click a link, download attachments that are enclosed in a virus, or be asked to submit a username and password or other personalized information.
The Risks for Gmail Users
As the world’s largest email service provider, for AI spoofing Gmail is an attractive target thanks to the service’s enormous user base. Since Google is committed to availing easy and convenient services, most Gmail users have stored their private data such as letters, banking details, and other accounts. If an attacker manages to breach a Gmail account they can open all related services like Google Drive, Google Photos, and even any financial account linked with Gmail.
Measures to protect Gmail account
1. It extends to enabling Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA.
Two-factor authentication help increase the level of protection regarding your account. And then apart from the password, they will also make you verify yourself using another means of identification, this is usually in the form of a one-time code that is sent to your phone or application used for identified validation. This makes it significantly difficult for the hacker to gain access to your account even after gaining your password. To enable 2FA on Gmail: It is hence crucial to go to Google Account settings. Under the Security tab, you will proceed to. Under signing in to Google, there is an option “2-Step Verification.” Click on it and the next steps will guide you.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using a strong password is therefore the most basic way that can be used to prevent cyber criminals. Do not employ hackers’ favorites, for example, “password123” or “your birthday”. In their place use a set of characters, numbers, or Special characters in coming up with the passwords. By employing a password manager, create a different password for each of the accounts created on the internet, to avoid the instance of using the same password in two or more sites.
3. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails
As more and more Artificial Intelligence is used to send out fake emails the following points stand out as a beacon signaling that an email is fake. Be cautious of: Messages that seek immediate response including username and password details or payment information. That is, some of the following mistakes could be considered acceptable, although it is best not to use them: Web addresses that look like real web addresses but are slightly different (e.g., gooogle.com instead of google.com). Unanticipated messages–In most cases, these are messages you least want to receive especially when they are from unknown people. To check the credibility of the sender of the email, it is safer to contact the sender in another distinct manner.
5. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Google regularly operates on enhancing the security system of Gmail but at the same time, ensures that your device is of the current version of the software. Updating the browser & OS frequently makes you and your system free from so many letters known bugs and loopholes.
6. Public Wi-Fi exposes you to inconceivable dangers and should not be used for sensitive transactions.
Authenticating your account through the wrong link means your account is exposed to hackers through a public Wi-Fi connection. But if by any chance, you have to use the Gmail account while on the public Wi-Fi, you should use a VPN to encrypt your information.
7. Take Advantage of Gmail’s Inherent Security Tools
Gmail also provides three default measures against phishing and spoofing as part of their prevention measures.
These include Safe Browsing Warnings: If you stumble across a dangerous site, Google will warn you when you are trying to open it.
Spam Filters: Some phishing scams are weeded out by Gmail’s native filtering which uses artificial intelligence.
Confidential Mode: In sending sensitive information, you should use Gmail confidential mode which enables you to set time limits as well as disable the right to forward, copy, or download content from the email.
Conclusion
Of course, with time advancing in AI, the procedures used by hackers in penetrating Gmail accounts also change. The AI incorporated spoofing is a complex threat that seems genuine and thus an organization should ensure it employs the greatest level of security to avoid being vulnerable to such attacks. It takes a small amount of effort to enable 2FA, use strong passwords, and be alert to phishing scams; in addition, the security features built into Gmail will also deter most of these phishing attacks. A bit of preventive work today can help to avoid unpleasant scenarios and threats to the account tomorrow.