Google Security Alert: Two-Step Verification to Become Essential for Gmail Users

New Delhi, September 1, 2025: Google has recently issued a strong security advisory to Gmail (Google Mail) users, urging them to activate Two-Step Verification (2SV) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance account protection. The move comes in response to rising cyber threats such as phishing, password theft, and large-scale account hijacking (tomsguide.com, cincodias.elpais.com).

According to reports, Google has alerted more than 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide for two major reasons:

Mass Hacking Attempt: A cybercriminal group named “ShinyHunters” targeted Gmail accounts on a massive scale. As a result, many users received warnings to reset their passwords and enable 2SV (cincodias.elpais.com, tomsguide.com).

Phishing & Spoofing Attacks: Fraudsters are tricking users with fake Google support messages, redirecting them to phishing websites. To prevent such attacks, Google recommends using its built-in Password Manager, 2SV, and passkeys for stronger authentication (tomsguide.com, cincodias.elpais.com, nypost.com).

Alarmingly, studies reveal that less than 10% of Gmail users have activated 2FA/2SV, leaving the majority of accounts more vulnerable to cyberattacks (independent.co.uk).

Google is also encouraging users to perform a Security Checkup, a tool that helps review account settings, recovery options, connected devices, and third-party app access (thesun.co.uk).

In conclusion, Google emphasizes that this is not just a suggestion but a necessary step for digital safety. All Gmail users are strongly advised to create strong passwords, activate 2SV or passkeys, and conduct regular Security Checkups to stay protected against evolving cyber threats.

🔗 Sources:

El País – Google advises Gmail users to change password after cyberattack

Tom’s Guide – 2.5 Billion Gmail Accounts Could Be Compromised

The Sun – Google issues strong warning to Gmail users