Hackers Are Also Going Back to School - Major Campaign Hijacks Google Classroom to Hit Targets
A new wave of cyberattacks is targeting education like never before. Hackers are also going back to school, exploiting Google Classroom to send phishing emails to students and teachers worldwide. This campaign leverages trusted educational platforms to trick users, making it harder for traditional security systems to detect threats.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Phishing Campaign Targets Students and Educators
Recent research by Check Point has uncovered a sophisticated phishing operation. Hackers sent over 115,000 emails to more than 13,500 organizations. These emails contained fake Google Classroom invitations promoting fake services, such as SEO solutions or product offers, aiming to steal credentials or sensitive information.
How the Attack Works
The campaign hides within Google Classroom’s legitimate infrastructure. By piggybacking on a trusted platform, attackers bypass conventional security defenses. Recipients may think the messages are authentic, increasing the risk of clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
What Schools and Students Should Do
Experts recommend heightened vigilance when receiving unexpected Google Classroom notifications. Always verify invitations directly in the platform, avoid clicking unknown links, and enable multi-factor authentication for all accounts. Educators should also educate students about phishing risks and suspicious messages.
The Bigger Picture
This campaign highlights a growing trend: cybercriminals exploiting remote learning tools. As education increasingly relies on digital platforms, attacks like these remind schools, teachers, and students to maintain strong cybersecurity practices. Staying informed and cautious can prevent hackers from turning classrooms into attack vectors.
Post a Comment