New Password Hacking Warning for Gmail, Facebook, and Amazon Users

Recent threat analysis from Kaspersky has highlighted a significant surge in password-stealing attacks targeting Amazon, Facebook, and especially Google users. Here’s what you need to know:

Amazon, Facebook, and Gmail: Prime Targets for Password Hackers

It’s no surprise that Gmail, Facebook, and Amazon credentials are highly coveted by malicious hackers. These accounts can facilitate a range of cybercrimes, including data theft, malware distribution, and credit card fraud. Google accounts, in particular, act as a key to unlock a wealth of other account credentials and personal information. With the vast amount of data contained in a Gmail inbox, and the widespread use of Gmail for password reset requests and two-factor authentication, it’s a prime target for attackers.

Kaspersky analyzed 25 of the world’s largest and most popular brands to determine which are most frequently targeted by cybercriminals through phishing attacks. The study revealed that in the first half of 2024 alone, there were approximately 26 million attempts to access malicious sites disguised as these brands—an increase of about 40% compared to the same period in 2023.

Phishing Attacks on Google Up by 243%

Leading the list of phishing targets was Google, largely due to the reasons mentioned above. Kaspersky reported a staggering 243% increase in attack attempts on Google in the first six months of 2024, with around 4 million of these attempts being blocked by Kaspersky's security solutions.

"This year has seen a significant rise in phishing attempts targeting Google," said Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky. She emphasized that access to a Gmail account can lead to access to multiple services, making it a top target.

Facebook users experienced 3.7 million phishing attempts, while Amazon saw 3 million. Other brands in the top ten most targeted list included Microsoft, DHL, PayPal, Mastercard, Apple, Netflix, and Instagram. Although not in the top ten, brands such as HSBC, eBay, Airbnb, American Express, and LinkedIn also saw a notable increase in targeting in the first half of the year.

Kaspersky attributes this rise in attacks to increased fraudulent activity rather than a decline in user vigilance.

For advice on how to protect yourself from phishing attacks and to report any attempts, visit the security resources available from Google, Facebook, and Amazon online.