Blog Post

Gmail is by far one of the most popular email services provider and integrates with other Google services to provide seamless connectivity among your various platforms. As a result, Gmail is a major target for cybercriminals. Because Gmail is so connected to other services, it provides the opportunities for bad actors to easily gain access to tons of private data, including those from Google Drive, Google Pay, and your saved passwords.  

The greatest and fastest-growing threat in the cyberworld is the use of AI, which is increasingly producing viruses and deep fakes, making it more difficult for people to spot the difference between real and fake emails. AI can create convincing text that looks identical to real ones. Deep fakes can produce audio or visual messages that appear to come from a trusted source. AI generated malware can bypass and avoid regular security tools. In fact, nearly half of all phishing attempts now use AI technology to refine their attacks. These attacks on Gmail users threaten individuals through identity theft and financial fraud; and businesses that have even more far-reaching consequences.  

So, what are some things you can put into practice to protect you and your business? Here are some great action items to begin implementing today: 

1. Use strong passwords. Make sure that you are avoiding any patterns and not re-using a password for any other account. Password generators and vaults are a great tool for creating and storing strong, unique passwords for every account.  

1. Utilize two-step verification: this multi-authentication is much safer than just a password alone because it requires a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a one-time code sent to your phone or email. This makes breaking into your accounts much more difficult.  

1. Double check your third-party access: As convenient as it is to have apps integrated with your Gmail account, it’s wise to periodically see which apps and services have access to your account and if you need to remove any that you no longer use.  

1. Take advantage of Gmail’s Advanced Protection Program: This option offers robust protection against malware and cyber scams. It includes the use of MFA and security keys, as well as verifying downloads and app installations.  

There is no doubt that cyber threats are continually refining and growing. But the fight for the criminals is harder fought when you are equipped with the soundest security measures to protect you, your business, and your customers. Tech Eagles knows the threats that lie in waiting. As a small business ourselves, we care about yours. Call us today to learn of additional ways to protect your business.