Gmail users warned to delete these dangerous emails that steal your personal information

The team of internet security experts Avast warn of a significant increase in online threats during the first part of this year with most scams targeting victims via their email accounts. They advise all users to be cautious as cyber-attacks are on the rise.

A new threat has just been identified by Avast, and it is especially dangerous as it is sent straight into people’s inboxes and claims to be from trusted companies.

Although messages look real, they contain harmful attachments that - if opened - trigger the instant download of malware onto a device.

Here is how to spot the scam and stay safe while using your email account.

What is the new warning to email users?

Gmail, Outlook and users of other email services have been alerted of a new internet threat that involves messaging scams.

The thieves mass-send emails posing to be from trusted companies such as Microsoft and Adobe to millions of unsuspecting users. The messages look real but they contain harmful attachments which - if clicked - trigger the instant download of malware onto a device.

A team of cyber security specialists at Avast has spotted vicious bugs such as Qbot and Raccoonusing this distribution technique to getinformation out of clueless users and has also observed something calledIcedID, a banking Trojan, using OneNote attachments to steal money.

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Here is how to stay safe online

Always take care when opening any emails and only download files or click on links if you are 100% sure the message is genuine. Remember that thieves pose as reputable brands.

If unsure - delete the suspicious email to stay safe.

Avast Malware Research Director Jakub Kroustek said:

Cyber Safety software can act as a safety net for providing an extra layer of security to these types of savvy attacks that are increasingly targeting people.

He admits that, unfortunately, thieves ‘have made it nearly impossible to take any message at face value’; all communications, whether they are from a friend, boss, or household brand, have the potential to be fraudulent.

Kroustek warns that ‘scammers often play off victims’ emotions by creating a sense of distress in their messages. If you receive an email or text out of the blue with an urgent request or a message that seems too good to be true, take a few extra moments to verify it before acting.

Other cyber threats are on the rise

Along with those dangerous attachments, Avast also found a 40% rise in the share of phishing and smishing attacks over the previous year.

These scams often use urgency in the message to try and trick people into clicking on links and entering personal details such as user names and even passwords.

Avast warns that when this data gets into the wrong hands, cybercriminals have the arsenal to easily steal someone’s identity.

Kroustek added:

One final thing to watch out for is a refund and invoice scams. These had a sharp uptick in Q1 2023, rising 26% in the UK compared to Q4 2022 according to Avast.

Fraudsters use this method to send false bills or invoices for goods or services that were never ordered or received. Scammers even use household names with recognizable branding and logos to make their messages appear legitimate.

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Sources used:

- Mirror: 'New Gmail and Outlook warning - not deleting these dangerous emails will prove costly'