Phishing Email Scam: Google Drive Notification

Phishing Email Breakdown 

This recent phishing attempt impersonates a legitimate Google Drive notification, claiming a document was securely uploaded and shared with the recipient. It prompts users to click a button to view the document, which instead redirects them to a website that triggers a malicious download, installing a remote access tool (RAT) on the victim’s computer. 

Please be careful when opening or running downloaded files, even if they appear to come from trusted senders, as accounts can sometimes be compromised. Please report any suspicious messages to is-spam@mcmaster.ca for review and investigation. 

Visual Example of the Phishing Email 

Full Text from the Phishing Attempt 

A document has been securely shared with you via Google Drive. 

From: 

{external email address} 

File: Important.pdfa 

View Document 

You are receiving this message because a document was shared with you from Google Drive. 

How to Protect Yourself? 

1. Verify the Sender: Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be someone important, especially if the message seems out of the ordinary and asks for personal information. 
2. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over or copy the link to view the complete domain name. Scammers often create URLs that resemble authentic ones by inserting subtle misspellings or extra characters. If the link looks suspicious, it’s safer to visit the official website directly or use a reputable search engine to find the correct webpage. 
3. Check Branding, Formatting, and Logos Carefully: Phishing emails may imitate official layouts or use low-quality, off-colour logos. Verify that logos, colours, and the overall format matches what you typically see from the genuine organization. 

Important Notes: 

1. Report Suspicious Messages: Reporting phishing attempts helps prevent others from falling victim to these attacks. Send suspicious messages to is-spam@mcmaster.ca for review and investigation. 
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about common phishing tactics. Consider participating in the Information Security Training Program to protect against cyber threats and secure your digital world.