Hasty Briefsbeta

Google 'Looking into' Gmail Hack Locking Users Out with No Recovery

5 days ago
  • #Google Passkeys
  • #Account Takeover
  • #Gmail Security
  • Gmail, with 2 billion active users, is a frequent target of security threats and hacking campaigns.
  • A new hacking tactic involves changing a victim's account age to under 10 and adding it to a family account controlled by the attacker, effectively locking the victim out.
  • Victims report being unable to recover their accounts despite Google's existing recovery options, with some hackers demanding gift cards for account release.
  • Google acknowledges the issue as a known post-compromise action but states it's uncommon, with plans to provide more guidance soon.
  • Recommended protections include enabling two-step verification, using passkeys, reviewing account recovery options, and monitoring associated devices.