This write-up sheds light on Google Calendar malware and provides you with effective tips to stay safe during your interactions with Google Calendar links. Let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room first.
What is Google Calendar Malware?
Google Calendar malware is a method in which cybercriminals exploit Google Calendar’s event invitation features to launch cyber attacks on users and trick them into downloading malicious programs on their device or sharing their personal data with the cybercriminals. In this attack, black hats create phishing links that appear to be Google Meet and event links and send them to the users. These links carry urgent notices or alerts, such as an urgent bank notice, and you have won a prize to provoke the user to click the links. As soon as the user clicks the links, users are redirected to phishing sites that masquerade as Google Calendar or other Google services.
How does the Attack Work?
Google Calendar malware works by sending a fake calendar invite link through Gmail. When you receive the invite link in your Gmail, Google Calendar automatically adds the event to your calendar with a pop-up notification. The event note contains a fake message or a malware link. When you click the link, it directs you to a fake login page, websites, and service windows to install malware and spyware on your device. To trick the users, criminals use Google’s own infrastructure to increase legitimacy and bypass filters. They ask for personal and financial information, and most often, innocent users become prey to these tactics. They give away their sensitive details and end up compromising their accounts, online privacy, and financial security.
Why is Google Calendar Malware so Dangerous?
Google Calendar Malware is a deadly cyber attack in which cybercriminals can steal the personal and financial details of the victim. They can hijack the device and take over critical online accounts such as banking, social media, and business. What makes it more dangerous is that Google Calendar has 500 M+ users, which means a huge pool of targets. Criminals can launch rapid cyber attacks on a vast number of targets in a short time. In these rapid attacks, they can hijack accounts, steal user data and identity, and infect critical networks and devices with deadly malware. Down the line, it creates a cycle of calamities and damages in the digital world of the user.
How to Stay Safe from Google Calendar Malware?
If you are using Google Calendar to schedule events and Google Meet, then you should use the best safety measures to stay safe from malware attacks from cybercriminals. Here are some effective tips that help you protect yourself from Google Calendar Malware:
Enable “Known Senders” filter
First and foremost, you must enable your Known Senders Filter to automatically discard invites from unknown contacts. The Known Senders Filter is a highly useful tool in preventing unknown or suspicious email addresses from automatically adding events to your calendar. It helps you block the spam events that contain phishing links or promote fake sites. It allows only known contacts to send calendar invites to you and stops malicious or irrelevant invites. Here is how you can enable Known Senders” filter:
- Go to Google Calendar
- Click the gear icon → Settings
- Under Event Settings, find:
- “Automatically add invitations”
- Choose: “Only if the sender is known.”
Verify Unexpected Invites
Do not follow the unexpected invite links coming from unknown sources and email addresses. Before you interact with them or take any action, make sure you verify them with the concerned authority. You can directly contact the person to confirm about the meeting, or send the links for any upcoming meetings or events. It helps you securely proceed with the invites and complete the events in time.
Inspect Links
Scammers and online attackers use phishing links to attack you and carry out all types of malicious acts. It is highly recommended that you inspect every link before you click it, whether they are from a legitimate or suspicious source. Hover your cursor over the link, and it will show you the real address in the bottom right corner of your desktop screen. If it directs you to suspicious or unknown sites, then avoid clicking it.
Use Antivirus Software
Install a robust antivirus software on your device to equip your device and network with cutting-edge security features to prevent malware infections and keep your device clean, safe, and seamless. Antimalware software uses advanced techniques such as behavior analysis, a real-time threat scanner, and a network monitoring system to detect malware threats and remove them from your devices before they take any action. With the help of robust security software, you can easily beat the Google Calendar malware.
Stay Up-to-Date
You should keep your system, apps, and accounts up-to-date by downloading the latest updates as soon as they are released. Updates are patches that fix the vulnerabilities in the apps and systems that come up over time. New updates fix the vulnerabilities in your apps and systems and upgrade their security and functionality. With zero system vulnerabilities, you can reduce the risks of malware infections and prevent deadly cyber attacks on your device. You get a seamless computing experience and peace of mind while organizing your Google meetings.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a great feature that doubles down on your digital security and provides a multiple layer of protection for your Google accounts and social media platforms. It includes the process of verification when you log in or access your accounts and apps using a password. With two-factor authentication, you receive a verification code through SMS, email, or call. Once you have confirmed the 2FA through your official number, email, or SMS, you will be able to access your accounts. It prevents cybercriminals from unauthorized access to your critical accounts even if they have your primary credentials, like your password and user ID.
Final Thoughts
Google Calendar is a useful tool that gives you timely reminders of events and meetings so that you can attend them on time. However, black hats are exploiting it to launch malicious attacks on innocent users to steal personal data and do all types of malicious activities. You must be cautious and employ the best safety measures to mitigate the risks and challenges posed by scammers, who aim to compromise your online security and privacy. The tips included in this write-up above are simple but highly efficient in dealing with the Google Calendar malware issue. If you successfully implement them, then you can easily beat this challenge and keep yourself safe from deadly malware attacks.
