Google ‘no-reply’ email phishing scam bypasses even the best security: What you need to know
In a recent development that has alarmed cybersecurity experts, scammers have found a way to make phishing emails appear as though they are coming from legitimate Google ‘no-reply’ addresses. The method bypasses traditional email authentication protocols, putting businesses and individuals at greater risk of attack.
Here’s what happened, how the scam works, and what steps your business can take to stay protected.
What’s going on with the Google No-Reply Email Phishing Scam?
This scam was first uncovered by email security researcher Michael Horowitz and has since gained attention for its sophistication. In short, attackers are exploiting a loophole in the way Google handles email forwarding and authentication.
Phishing emails are being sent to Gmail users through Google Groups, a tool commonly used by organisations for internal communication. Because these emails are sent via Google’s infrastructure, they can appear to come from a trusted address like “[email protected]” even though the content is malicious and Google is not the true sender.
The emails bypass standard email authentication checks like DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and SPF (Sender Policy Framework), which are designed to verify a sender’s identity and prevent spoofing. The result is a scam that looks more convincing than most.
Why is this dangerous?
Many people are taught to check the “from” address when trying to spot phishing attempts. But in this case, the email may appear to come from a legitimate Google domain. That makes it much easier for attackers to gain a user’s trust and persuade them to click on malicious links, enter passwords, or download malware.
The scam’s success hinges on trust. If an email appears to be from Google, it’s more likely to be opened and acted upon. And because this method exploits Google’s own email system, even users with otherwise strong security measures in place may not be fully protected.
How are attackers using the Google No-Reply Email Phishing Scam?
Reports show that attackers are using this method to send fake notifications, such as security alerts, password change requests, or account activity warnings. These messages prompt the recipient to click a link that leads to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or install malware.
In some cases, users are tricked into entering their details into what looks like a Google login page. Once the attacker has these details, they can gain access to the victim’s Google account and potentially any connected services, such as business files, calendars, or emails.
What businesses should do
While Google is reportedly investigating the issue, businesses should not wait for a fix before taking action. Here are a few proactive steps you can take:
- Educate employees: Make your team aware of the scam and remind them not to trust an email solely based on the sender’s address.
- Use additional email filtering tools: Advanced email security platforms can add another layer of defence by scanning email content and behaviour rather than just relying on sender information.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra step for account access, making it harder for attackers to succeed even if login details are compromised.
- Monitor email logs and unusual activity: Keep an eye out for unexpected logins, especially from unfamiliar IP addresses or devices.
- Audit Google Groups settings: If you use Google Workspace, ensure that your Google Groups are not configured to allow unauthorised external senders.
- Report any suspicious emails, like the Google No-Reply Email Phishing Scam on Google’s “Report a Phishing Page” website.
Final thoughts
This Google No-Reply Email Phishing Scam is a powerful reminder that even trusted platforms can be exploited by cybercriminals. Email authentication protocols like DKIM and SPF are essential, but they are not foolproof.
Remaining vigilant, educating your employees, and applying layered security controls are the best defences against emerging threats like this. If something feels off about an email, even if it appears to come from Google, pause before clicking. It might just save your data. Contact us for a FREE SECURITY AUDIT today.
