All Gmail users given urgent two-week warning, ignoring it will be costly

13 December 2023 , 11:31

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Gmail email warning (Image: GETTY)

Gmail, Outlook and users of other email services including Yahoo and Hotmail should be on red alert during the next few weeks. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, it seems that hackers are ramping up their efforts at tricking online users into clicking on scams and fake emails.

That's according to the security team at McAfee Labs who say they expect 10 million online threats to be released during the festive period.

if that wasn't bad enough, it seems that millions of us are still being fooled by these tactics with stats suggesting that 1 in 5 Brits have previously been the victim of a scam during the festive shopping period.

The biggest things to watch out for in your inbox are messages that claim a delivery has been missed or you have won a prize. These are some of the most popular strategies for cyber crooks and anyone receiving an email with these types of subject lines should be wary.

Other messages that could be dangerous include emails that say they have come from your bank along with stating that the email has information about a purchase you didn’t make.

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“It’s critical that Brits online safety and data privacy top of mind throughout the Christmas period, to keep the holidays merry and avoid the cyber grinch,” commented Vonny Gamot, Head of EMEA at McAfee. “With an additional 10 million online threats expected on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, it’s never been more important to cast a sceptical eye over any festive deals or unexpected order and delivery updates. Even if an email or text looks legitimate, it’s always best to go direct to the source, whether it’s an online retailer or delivery provider.”

If you want to stay safe this Christmas here are some top tips to make sure you don't become the scammer's next victim.

Think before you click. Cybercriminals use phishing emails or fake sites to lure people into clicking links that could lead to malware. If you receive an email asking you to click on a link, even if it’s a great-sounding deal or indicates it’ll provide useful information, it’s best to avoid interacting with the message altogether.

Remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many scams are effective because the scammer creates a false sense of urgency or preys on a heightened emotional state. Pause before you rush to interact with any message that is threatening or urgent, especially if it is from an unknown or unlikely sender.

Use AI to beat AI . From blocking dangerous links that appear on text messages, social media, or web browsers, people across all platforms should take advantage of AI-driven technology to browse the web peacefully and securely.”

Dave Snelling