Google hack: What really happened
- Cyberpeace Tech
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A recent hack on Google sparked considerable controversy due to headlines claiming that 2.5 billion Gmail accounts had been exposed. However, the company clarified that this information is incorrect.
What actually happened was that, in June, a group of cybercriminals accessed a Salesforce instance used by Google.
There, they obtained approximately 2.5 million business records related to customers and business prospects, mainly from small and medium-sized enterprises.
The company confirmed that no passwords or sensitive data from Gmail accounts were compromised, but acknowledged that the leaked data (such as contact emails and company names) could be used in digital fraud attempts.
How the attackers operated
The perpetrators used a technique known as vishing (voice phishing). They impersonated technical support staff to deceive employees and obtain their Salesforce login credentials.
Once inside, they stole business data that could then be used in scam or extortion campaigns.
Risks for users and businesses
Although the leak did not compromise Gmail passwords, it does increase the risk of cybercriminals sending fraudulent messages to users and organizations. These emails may appear to be from Google and warn of “security breaches”, seeking to get victims to enter their login details on fake pages.
In Mexico, this case should be seen as a warning: many companies store information in the cloud that, although it may seem insignificant, can become raw material for fraud if it falls into the wrong hands.
Lessons for Mexico in cybersecurity
The incident leaves several lessons that are relevant for Mexican companies:
Implement multi-factor authentication in corporate accounts and systems.
Strengthen staff training to detect phishing and vishing attempts.
Periodically review the security of cloud providers.
Be wary of emails or calls asking you to enter credentials or confirm access.
At Cyberpeace, we recommend always staying alert to digital fraud attempts. Prevention and education in cybersecurity are the best defense to protect your personal and business information. Want to learn more about how to protect yourself online? Follow us on our social media and stay informed.
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