A new, sophisticated phishing campaign is targeting Google Calendar users, according to a report by Check Point Software Technologies. Cybercriminals are distributing deceptive meeting invitations that mimic legitimate Google Calendar notifications. These fraudulent invitations redirect unsuspecting recipients to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive personal information.

This tactic is particularly alarming due to the extensive use of Google Calendar, with over 500 million users worldwide. In just a few weeks, researchers observed nearly 4,000 of these phishing attempts, impersonating over 300 well-known brands.

How the Scam Operates

Exploiting the inherent trust in Google's services, attackers send seemingly authentic meeting invitations through Google Calendar. When a user clicks on a link within the invitation, they are unknowingly redirected to a counterfeit webpage. This page often requests personal information, such as login credentials or financial details. This stolen data can then be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to other online accounts.

Security experts warn that the use of AI by these attackers is making these fake invitations increasingly convincing and difficult to detect.

Google's 'Known Senders' Setting: Your First Line of Defense

Google recommends activating the "Only If The Sender Is Known" setting in Google Calendar. This feature filters invitations, only automatically adding those from known contacts, your organization, or individuals you've previously interacted with via email. Here’s how to enable it:

• Open Google Calendar and navigate to Settings (gear icon).
• Under "General," select "Event Settings."
• Choose "Only if the sender is known" under "Add invitations to my calendar."

Bolstering Your Security

In addition to enabling the "known senders" feature, consider these additional security measures:

• Carefully inspect unexpected invitations. Look for inconsistencies in the sender's name, email address, and domain.
• Refrain from clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Utilize robust antivirus software to protect against malware and detect phishing attempts.
• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Gmail account for enhanced security.
• Regularly update your calendar and email security settings to stay ahead of evolving phishing techniques.

Key Takeaways

As cybercriminals find new ways to exploit trusted platforms, user awareness and proactive security measures are more critical than ever. By enabling the "known senders" setting and implementing additional security practices, you can significantly mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of calendar-based phishing scams.