San Francisco, CA – In one of the largest data breaches in recent years, Google confirmed that a cybercriminal organization known as ShinyHunters accessed sensitive data through the company’s Salesforce cloud infrastructure, potentially exposing information tied to 2.5 billion Gmail and Google Cloud users worldwide.
According to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), the breach was first detected in June and linked to a pattern of “overlapping tactics, techniques, and procedures” observed in previous cyberattacks. The group allegedly used social engineering—impersonating IT staff—to gain access to corporate systems and user networks.
While Google says the compromised data primarily included “basic business information,” security experts warn that the hackers may soon escalate extortion tactics, possibly launching a data leak site to pressure victims.
ShinyHunters has been tied to high-profile breaches of companies such as AT&T, Microsoft, Santander, and Ticketmaster, and is known for selling stolen databases on the dark web.
🔒 What You Should Do Now
Google urges all users to take immediate steps to protect their accounts:
- Update your password — Use a unique, strong password for your Google account that isn’t used anywhere else.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — Add a verification step such as a security key or Google Prompt to prevent unauthorized logins.
- Update all related apps and systems — Make sure your browser, Google apps, and Android or iOS devices are running the latest versions.
- Stay alert for phishing attempts — Avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information via email or text.
Signs of a possible breach include unexpected password resets, unusual financial activity in Google Pay or Play accounts, or unrecognized file sharing in Google Drive. If detected, users should immediately change their passwords and complete a Google Security Checkup to flag suspicious devices or logins.
Cybersecurity analysts caution that this breach highlights the growing risk of large-scale cloud-based attacks and the importance of multi-layered security practices in protecting personal and business data.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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