Blog Summary – Do you think using Google Docs saves from the possibility of getting into phishing attacks? In this blog, we bring you the news of the latest malware attack on Google Docs and slides using the vulnerable productivity features.
If you would think that Google Workspace is a safer option to conduct your business, then think again. At least that belief will be shattered after reading this latest news. The cybersecurity agents have yet again been informed that the threat actors are conducting phishing attacks via Google Docs and Slides. Therefore, the Google Workspace can be deemed safe and secure.
What’s the Google Docs malware?
According to the latest reports by Avanan – an email Company, the wave of phishing scams and malicious links is unstoppable as it goes undetected in the Google Docs and Slides. This is happening majorly due to the negligence from Google security. As the malicious links are being added with the victim’s name and the comments found on Google Docs, they often become untraceable. But what’s more shocking is that this is not the first time it’s happened, and it’s been ongoing for a long time.
The Avanan who reported the malware to Google in October’20 has said that it is still very much active and found again by Outlook users in December’21. The question arises of how Google can neglect it after affirming the issue.
The Google Workspace files such as Google Docs, Sheets, Slides have the comments features that are being misused. As reported before anyone can share the Google drive files with anyone using the email address. This is potentially a big threat as the email is sent to the victim and if they happen to open it, the malware is downloaded on their device. It is being used by hackers to steal personal information such as contact information, bank Credentials, and more.
Since the email comes from Google as someone mentioned you in the comments for the Google files. This will not help as you don’t get to know the perpetrators’ names or contact information. The threat actors easily impersonate others and confuse the victims by sending such links. Google was informed after January 3rd, via the report phishing feature on its emails by Avanan.
What does Google say about it?
Google has repeatedly said that they have been working on extending the security features to ensure the safety of their users. However, the so-called features have not been useful for a while and the cybercriminals keep offending the Google users. In a statement to 9to5, Google said –
Update 10/28: Google has shared with 9to5Google that they are “rolling out additional measures” specifically to prevent this type of spam from being posted in comments on Docs, Slides, and other Google Workspace files. These new preventions are just part of Google’s ongoing efforts to detect and shut down new spam campaigns.
However,this has been of no use and Google Workspace files have been continually being targeted for cybercrime. With the newly found phishing links, Google must take serious action on its features and put a full stop on these attacks.
How To Save Yourself From Malicious Google Docs
Using strong antivirus software on your device will keep you from downloading or opening any such malicious links. Here we will suggest you download Systweak Antivirus for Windows PC. It includes a strong Web protection module to help you stay safe from any malicious link. It runs Real-time protection and is capable of detecting malware or suspicious links in real-time. Thus, giving you complete security from any such web pages or links. Download Systweak Antivirus from the download button below-
Once you download and install the software, run the scan on your computer. It will run a comprehensive scan and find out any of the malicious files or software on your computer and show up in the results. The web protection module will actively scan the web pages you visit and will block potentially suspicious web page . Apart from that, you need to be aware of the links sent on such emails. It can be very dangerous for you and your device. Practice safe web browsing and report any suspicious emails. Do not download any files or open a web link from an unwanted or unexpected email.
Read: How Antivirus Helps in Protecting Your PC
Conclusion
Malware can download on your device through any of the spam, phishing links. Keep yourself updated and refrain from opening any suspicious links sent on emails. We strongly recommend youusing good antivirus software on your device. For Windows, we will suggest using Systweak Antivirus which is award-winning software to keep you protected from malware.
We hope this article will help you learn about the malware attack on Google docs. We would like to know your views on this post to make it more useful. Your suggestions and comments are welcome in the comment section below. Share the information with your friends and others by sharing the article on social media.
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