Google Phishing - A Lesson in Thinking Before We Click

I am very doubtful that you have not heard of the massive Google Phishing Scam that happened on May 3rd, 2017. In the scam, someone that has previously had correspondence via email with you before sends you a Google Doc invitation. This, in and of itself, seems relatively harmless. We routinely share Google Docs back and forth. The unique part of the scam is that it seems genuine and is designed to get you to click.

Once you click, you are prompted to sign in on an elaborately coded and designed page to mimic that Google Sign On page. This is where the scam is. If you are logged into your Gmail account, Google would never ask you to sign in again to access that document! It was shared with your email. Google knows who you are.

The Phishing Email: Please notice the "hhhhhhhhhhhhh" email address. It also does not provide the link.

A true Google Docs share request. Notice the branding, the emails, and the link in the email.

Regardless, this scam got many people. Many people that work with Google Tools on a regular basis. The point is, we have done this many times. Please pay attention to the smaller details when using the internet to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of.

If you clicked, or know someone who did, this is a helpful guide to assist you in removing the permissions that were granted in the phishing email.

Comments

Google Sites Updates - Align Objects and Updates about the old Google Sites

Google updated their Google Sites in the fall. As the application grows, it continues to get more and more powerful. Some of the updates since launch include the ability to use page dividers and incorporate company logos. This week, they introduced the ability to group object vertically. From the Google Updates Blog While grouping objects vertically may not see that powerful, but what it does is allow you to align the page better. From a design standpoint, it is now easier to incorporate captions for images as well as to make images and text fit better next to each other. Google's willingness to continue to develop this a great sign of the direction they are taking their web design tool. It will not be easier for students to create powerful websites to tell their stories and share their knowledge. In all of the changes, Google also announced that the end of life is coming for the old Google Sites. Google will be introducing a migration tool to allow users to migrate their w...

Chromebook Shortcut of the Week - Quick Google Search

So, if you took the advice of last week's 90 Second Chromebook Tip & Trick and abandoned your "Search" key in favor of Caps Lock on your Chromebook keyboard, this is still a quick way that you can search Google using this week's Shortcut of the Week. When you want to quick search Google, simply press "Ctrl + e" to focus on the URL bar at the top of the page and begin your Google Search query. It is extremely easy and fast to do!

Comet Tech

Search This Blog