The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to all Gmail and Outlook email users. This coexists with escalating incidences of cyber attacks targeting email users.
Acknowledged use of a hijacked but yet functional email account of a victim underlined the FBI’s warning. The attackers can use this hijacked email account to launch ever more deceptive campaigns. The FBI provides information that such operations permit attackers to request wire transfers or send Purchase orders to multiple vendors looking very legitimate.
Cybersecurity experts have long debated the efficiency of these attacks. However, the FBI’s recent warning serves as confirmation that targeted attacks on popular email platforms persist. Users of widely used platforms like Gmail and Outlook must exercise scrutiny over their email interactions.
According to an alert from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the cyber crooks often pose as a known individual or vendor. They use their pirated email account to trick victims into making unwarranted wire transfers or ordering and paying for goods that never arrive.
The FBI’s warning further highlights an increase in cases where malicious actors exploit hijacked email accounts. Through them, they launch secondary phishing attacks on diverse contacts within the victim’s email network. Such ‘spear phishing’ attempts generally involve personalized, well-crafted messages seemingly from a trusted source.
The FBI urges all email users to use two-factor authentication (2FA) to aid in protecting their accounts. Such measures can significantly diminish the chance of an account getting hijacked.
Prioritizing cybersecurity measures is essential for both individual users and organizations. The FBI’s recent alert demonstrates this urgency, serving as a reminder that everyone must remain mindful of their digital safety in an increasingly interconnected world.
Last modified: March 16, 2025
