AI Pulse: Beware Of New Threat To Gmail: Google

It's beginning to happen. We, in this community, have been constantly asking our members to always be alert for AI-propelled malware attacks.

Now, Google has sounded a global red alert for its 1.8 billion Gmail users, warning of a sophisticated new cyber threat known as indirect prompt injections.

In a detailed blog post, the tech giant explained that attackers are now embedding hidden commands inside everyday content—emails, calendar invites, and documents—that can manipulate AI systems like Google Gemini. Unlike traditional phishing, these attacks don’t rely on clickable links. Instead, they exploit the way AI interprets text, tricking it into leaking sensitive data such as passwords or login credentials.

We will now explain in extremely simple language what all of this means and how you should prepare yourself....

What’s Happening with Gmail and AI?

Google has warned all Gmail users about a new kind of cyberattack. It’s sneaky and smart—and it uses artificial intelligence (AI) in a way we haven’t seen before.

Hackers are now hiding secret instructions inside regular-looking emails, calendar invites, or documents. These hidden messages don’t look dangerous to you—but they can trick Google’s AI assistant (called Gemini) into doing things it shouldn’t, like showing your passwords or leaking private info.

This type of attack is called an “indirect prompt injection.” Think of it like a secret whisper inside an email that only the AI can hear—and follow.

What Is a Prompt Injection (in simple terms)?

AI tools like Gemini work by reading and responding to text. A “prompt” is just a message or instruction you give the AI.

• A direct prompt injection is when a hacker talks straight to the AI and tells it to do something bad.
• An indirect prompt injection is sneakier. The hacker hides the bad instruction inside something innocent—like an email or a calendar invite. The AI reads it later and gets tricked into doing something harmful.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Here are easy steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Ignore suspicious messages: If Gemini shows you a warning asking for login info or says your account is at risk—don’t trust it. Google says Gemini will never ask for passwords or send fraud alerts.
• Don’t click or reply to strange emails: Even if they look normal, be cautious with unexpected messages, especially if they mention AI or security issues.
• Keep your Gmail and Google apps updated: Updates often include security fixes.
• Use two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of protection to your account.
• Report anything weird: If you see strange behavior from Gemini or Gmail, report it to Google.

This new threat is clever, but you don’t need to panic. Just stay alert, and remember: if something feels off, it probably is.