The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning Gmail users about a rise in phishing attacks fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). According to a report by Hoxhunt on February 6, the number of phishing attacks bypassing filters has increased by 49% since the beginning of 2022.
While AI-generated threats currently account for 4.7% of all attacks, experts note that cybercriminals are rapidly adopting new technologies. Hoxhunt's Chief Technology Officer, Pyry Åvist, said, “AI is being used by hackers to usher in a new era of social engineering.”
Easier Than Assembling Furniture
Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert from Nord Security, points out that modern phishing attacks are so accessible that organizing and executing them is "easier than assembling furniture." On average, users fall for phishing emails in less than 60 seconds. Additionally, cybercriminals do not need specialized knowledge: AI tools allow them to clone websites in just a few clicks, creating convincing replicas of the originals.
How the Attacks Work and What the FBI Recommends
Phishing attacks typically start with emails disguised as official notifications from companies or banks. In these emails, the victim is prompted to update personal details by clicking on a link or responding to the message.
Despite the emergence of advanced AI tools, 70% of attacks still use malicious links. Therefore, the FBI strongly recommends not clicking on links in unexpected emails or text messages.
Additionally, users are advised to:
- Regularly check accounts for data leaks.
- Use password managers with autofill functions — they won’t enter data on fake sites.
- Set up the password manager to check URLs before entering data.
Google Warns of New Threats
Google also offers recommendations for securing Gmail accounts. The company reminds users that its security systems automatically block suspicious messages and malicious content, but users should remain vigilant.
Experts advise:
- Avoid downloading files or entering personal information on unfamiliar websites.
- Do not respond to requests for personal information in emails, SMS, or phone calls.
- If you suspect a threat, manually check the security settings of your Google account. Type the website address yourself instead of clicking on a link from an email.
The FBI warns that compromising a Gmail account not only results in the loss of email but also access to Google account data, including files, payment information, and passwords. Given the rise in attacks, ignoring these recommendations is becoming too risky.
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