Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/27/google_confirms_action_taken_to/
Source: The Register
Title: Google takes action after coder reports ‘most sophisticated attack I’ve ever seen’
Feedly Summary: Latest trope is tricky enough to fool even the technical crowd… almost
Google says it’s now hardening defenses against a sophisticated account takeover scam documented by a programmer last week.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The text details a sophisticated voice phishing (vishing) attack on Zach Latta, where scammers successfully spoofed a Google call to compromise personal information. It highlights the mechanisms used in modern phishing attacks and Google’s response to enhance security.
**Detailed Description:**
– The text narrates a recent incident involving Zach Latta, who faced a deceptive account takeover attempt via a phone call from purported Google representatives.
– Key Points:
– The attackers used a legitimate-looking phone number and caller ID, claiming to be from Google Workspace.
– The call included compelling tactics, such as explaining an unusual login attempt and offering verification through real-time communication methods.
– The scammers even used an actual Google subdomain (g.co) to create a Workspace and send legitimate-looking password reset emails, complicating the verification of authenticity.
– Latta’s eventual non-compliance, stemming from logical inconsistencies in the scammers’ narrative, saved him from falling victim to the attack.
– This incident is contextualized within a broader landscape of similar scams that have targeted both Google and Apple users, revealing ongoing security challenges in preventing such sophisticated phishing attempts.
– The text emphasizes the need for continuous education and vigilance among users, as conventional methods of verification can be manipulated by attackers.
– Google has since suspended the fraudulent Workspace account used in this scam and is tightening its defenses against potential abuses of its services.
– The incident underscores the urgency for adopting newer security protocols, such as passkeys, viewed as a modern solution to combat phishing threats.
In essence, the narrative serves as a crucial reminder for security and compliance professionals about evolving phishing tactics and reinforces the importance of user education and innovative security measures in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.