Cybercriminals are increasingly using calendar applications on computers and mobile phones to execute phishing attacks, warns security firm Malwarebytes.
A growing threat from cybercriminals involves the use of calendar applications to launch phishing attacks, as reported by Malwarebytes. These attacks typically come in the form of calendar invites that users find difficult to ignore or delete. The malicious invites may mislead users into believing there's a financial obligation, prompting them to follow a scam that often asks them to call a provided phone number or join a suspicious virtual meeting. This issue reflects an innovative method used by hackers seeking financial gain, targeting users' trust in their calendar systems.
The increasing prevalence of these attacks highlights the need for enhanced awareness and vigilance among users of these applications. Since calendar events can sync across devices, removing a malicious invite may not be straightforward, as it can reappear if the user accesses the calendar from another device. The nature of this problem underlines the evolving challenges in cybersecurity, especially as more people rely on online tools for communication and scheduling.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect oneself from these phishing attempts, particularly for Gmail users. The calendar feature integrated into Gmail provides settings that can help users mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams. By being proactive and making use of available tools and settings, users can potentially safeguard their online activities and reduce the likelihood of encountering such deceptive practices in the future.
