Google Emergency Warning Gmail: Reset passwords and Enable passkeys

google emergency warning gmail notice showing account safety check on screen
Ameer Hamza
Written by Ameer Hamza
Updated: August 19, 2025

Introduction

Google Emergency Warning Gmail users: after data taken from a third-party service began helping scammers. The stolen business contact details have made phishing emails and fake phone calls more convincing. Google says its core systems were not hacked, but the situation still raises the risk of account takeovers. Act now to protect your account.

Why this matters

Scammers are using real company contact details and phone calls to trick people into giving passwords or codes. That means even careful users can be fooled. Simple steps like using passkeys and running Google’s Security Checkup can stop most attacks.

What happened — short version

Threat actors stole contact data from a Salesforce-related integration. That data made phishing messages and vishing calls more believable. Google has taken steps to block the affected connections and told admins what to do. Google says Gmail and Workspace were not broadly breached.

How attackers are working

google emergency warning gmail phishing protection with passkeys and 2fa

Scammers mix email phishing with phone calls (vishing). They may:

  • Send an email that looks real and asks you to log in.
  • Call and pretend to be support staff asking for a code.
  • Use fake sign-in pages or stolen tokens to get into accounts.

These combined tricks make it easier for attackers to break in.

What to do right now (simple steps)

  1. Run Google Security Checkup. Check devices, apps, and recovery details in your Google account.
  2. Use passkeys if possible. Passkeys are safer than passwords and harder to phish.
  3. Turn on non-SMS 2-step verification. Use an authenticator app or a hardware key — not SMS.
  4. Change weak or reused passwords. Use a password manager to create and save strong passwords.
  5. Ignore unexpected calls asking for codes. Google will not call and ask for your sign-in codes. Hang up and check your account settings instead.

Google said it revoked the affected OAuth tokens and disabled the risky integration while it investigates. That helps stop attackers from using those stolen tokens.

How to spot a fake message or call

  • If a caller asks for a code or password, end the call and check your account settings.
  • Check the sender’s email carefully. Real Google emails come from official Google domains.
  • Don’t click links in unexpected emails. Open your Google account directly at myaccount.google.com.

What’s our thought (author)

google emergency warning gmail security alert illustration with warning icon

People with reused passwords, weak 2-step verification, or many third-party app connections are at higher risk. Business contact lists make phishing more targeted, so workers who use shared CRMs or shared contact systems should be extra careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my Gmail password after this warning?

If you use weak or reused passwords, change them now. Run Google Security Checkup and enable passkeys or strong 2-step verification for extra protection.

Was Google Workspace hacked?

Google says its core Workspace systems were not broadly hacked. The issue involved data exposed through a third-party integration, which made phishing attacks more convincing.

How can I check if my account is safe?

Open your Google Account and run Security Checkup to review devices, third-party app access, and recovery options. Remove any device or app you do not recognize.

Conclusion

Even if Google’s main systems are safe, data stolen from other services can help scammers. Running Security Checkup, switching to passkeys, and avoiding phone or email requests for codes are quick steps that cut your risk a lot.

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