Google Data Breach Puts 2.5 Billion Gmail Users at Scam Risk
A massive security incident has just shaken the online world, and it centers around Google and its Gmail service. Reports have revealed that more than 2.5 billion Gmail users could be exposed to new scam risks after a major breach involving Google’s database hosted on Salesforce’s cloud platform. This cyberattack, which experts are calling one of the largest in Google’s history, has been linked to the well-known hacker group ShinyHunters.
The attack itself wasn’t carried out through traditional brute force methods or password theft. Instead, it began back in June 2025 with a social engineering trick. Hackers reportedly posed as IT support staff and made convincing phone calls to a Google employee. During these calls, they managed to persuade the employee to approve a malicious application tied to Salesforce. That single move opened the door for attackers to extract valuable data such as business names, contact information, and internal notes. While Google has confirmed that no passwords were stolen, the information taken is already being misused.
Users on forums, including Gmail communities, are reporting a wave of phishing emails, spoofed calls, and fraudulent texts. Many of these scams cleverly impersonate Google staff, urging people to share login codes or reset their passwords. If someone falls for these tricks, full account takeovers become possible. So even though passwords weren’t directly leaked, the fallout could still be extremely damaging.
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The stolen information might seem basic at first glance, but in the wrong hands, it becomes a powerful weapon. With just names and contact details, hackers can stage convincing impersonations, pressure users into giving away sensitive information, and even test weak passwords like “123456” or “password.” The risks include being locked out of email accounts, losing access to personal files and photos, and even exposing financial accounts or linked business systems.
Google has already begun notifying those impacted, with emails going out earlier in August. The company emphasized that much of the compromised data was already publicly available, but experts warn that even small details can be weaponized. Past incidents, like the Google+ leaks in 2018 or Gmail phishing campaigns in 2017, have already shown how attackers can exploit trust without needing passwords directly.
The hacker group ShinyHunters, also tracked under the name UNC6040, has a long history of breaching large organizations. Their tactics often involve impersonating IT teams to gain access, then siphoning massive datasets using Salesforce tools. In many cases, the stolen data isn’t used right away. Instead, months later, victims are contacted by affiliated groups demanding payments in exchange for not leaking the data. Security researchers believe the group may be preparing to escalate these tactics by launching a dedicated data leak site, which would increase pressure on victims.
For now, Google is urging users to take protective steps. Running a Google Security Checkup, switching to strong and unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and being skeptical of emails or calls that request login details are all highly recommended. The company is also encouraging users to adopt passkeys, which rely on fingerprint or face recognition and are far more resistant to phishing attempts.
This breach is a reminder that even when passwords are safe, cybercriminals can still find ways to cause harm. It reinforces the idea that vigilance, security awareness, and proactive protection are crucial for anyone who relies on Gmail—and that’s practically all of us.
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