Recently, numerous reports claimed that Gmail users had been informed to change their passwords owing to an alleged security issue.These reports had suggested that Google had issued a broad advisory urging all users to take immediate action.
However, in a blog post, Google said that it has not issued any warning to Gmail users “about a major Gmail security issue,” calling such reports “entirely false.”
Further, the company reassured users that Gmail’s protections remain “strong and effective,” blocking more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching inboxes.
The search giant added that while attackers are always looking for new ways to infiltrate email accounts, its security teams “invest heavily, innovate constantly, and communicate clearly” about risks.
Additionally, Google is also encouraging users to adopt secure alternatives such as Passkeys and to follow best practices for spotting and reporting phishing attacks.
On similar lines, cybersecurity experts note that phishing remains one of the most common online threats, with hackers frequently attempting to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Even with Google’s filters in place, experts advise users to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
For most users, Gmail’s built-in protections are more than enough. However, security professionals caution that strong personal practices, from using unique passwords to staying alert for scam emails, are essential in minimising risks.