Top Attacks Targeting Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is used by millions worldwide. Its cloud-based offerings like Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets have made it an essential part of many modern business operations. However, its widespread use also makes it a target for cyberattacks. We’ll look at the most common attacks targeting Google Workspace environments and how you can protect your organization.

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are one of the most prevalent threats to Google Workspace users. Cybercriminals send deceptive emails that appear to come from legitimate sources to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. These emails often contain links to fake login pages designed to capture user credentials.

How to Protect Against Phishing:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all users.
• Educate employees about recognizing phishing attempts.
• Use Google’s advanced phishing and malware protection features.

2. Account Takeover

In an account takeover (ATO) attack, cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a user’s Google Workspace account. This can be achieved through various means, including phishing, credential stuffing (using leaked passwords from other breaches), or exploiting weak passwords.

How to Prevent Account Takeovers:

• Implement strong password policies and enforce regular password changes.
• Monitor account activity for suspicious behavior.
• Use Google’s security alerts and notifications to stay informed of potential breaches.

3. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a sophisticated scam targeting companies that conduct wire transfers. Attackers impersonate a company executive or a trusted business partner to trick employees into transferring money to fraudulent accounts.

Preventing BEC Attacks:

• Verify any request for a wire transfer or sensitive information through a secondary channel, such as a phone call.
• Educate employees about BEC scams and the importance of verifying unusual requests.
• Use email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prevent email spoofing.

4. Malware and Ransomware

Malware and ransomware attacks can infiltrate Google Workspace through malicious email attachments, links, or infected third-party applications. Once inside, they can encrypt data, steal information, or disrupt business operations.

Defending Against Malware and Ransomware:

• Enable Google Workspace’s built-in virus and malware scanning features. Many are enabled by default.
• Train employees to recognize and avoid suspicious links and attachments.
• Regularly back up data and store it in a secure, offline location.

5. Insider Threats

Not all threats come from external sources. Insider threats involve employees or contractors who misuse their access to Google Workspace to steal data, sabotage systems, or engage in fraudulent activities.

Mitigating Insider Threats:

• Implement the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access they need.
• Monitor user activity and set up alerts for unusual behavior.
• Conduct regular security audits and reviews.

6. OAuth Phishing

OAuth phishing involves attackers tricking users into granting access to malicious third-party applications through OAuth tokens. Once granted, these tokens can be used to access Google Workspace data without needing the user’s password.

Protecting Against OAuth Phishing:

• Educate users about the risks of granting access to third-party apps.
• Review and revoke unnecessary or suspicious app permissions regularly.
• Use Google Workspace’s OAuth token management tools to control app access.

Protecting your Google Workspace environment requires a multi-faceted approach that combines user education, strong security practices, and leveraging Google’s built-in security features. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of these common attacks and keep your organization’s data safe.

How Cado Can Help

The Cado platform now supports Google Workspace allowing you to gather all your evidence in one place automatically, and investigate SaaS incidents:

 If you want to find out how the Cado Platform can help secure your SaaS environments, schedule a demo with our team.