Asger Risom
Cybersecurity experts are warning Gmail users to adjust a default setting that scammers are exploiting. The vulnerability, tied to Google Calendar, could expose sensitive personal data and make phishing attacks more convincing.
Cybersecurity experts are warning Gmail users to adjust a default setting that scammers are exploiting. The vulnerability, tied to Google Calendar, could expose sensitive personal data and make phishing attacks more convincing.
Gmail’s global reach makes it a target
With more than 2.5 billion users worldwide, Gmail’s sheer scale makes it a favorite target for scammers who only need a tiny fraction of victims to succeed.
Scams evolve constantly
Cybercriminals no longer rely only on suspicious-looking emails. They adapt quickly and exploit overlooked features inside legitimate apps to trick users.
The overlooked Google Calendar link
A default Gmail setting is tied to Google Calendar’s Events feature. This connection is now being exploited by attackers in ways many users never anticipated.
What Calendar Events can expose
Saved details like meeting times, locations, names, and even medical appointments can all be visible. In the wrong hands, this information is highly sensitive.
How small details fuel scams
Even routine details—such as who you’re meeting and where—help attackers craft realistic phishing emails that are far more likely to deceive.
Why scammers love this loophole
By mirroring your real-world activity, attackers can convincingly impersonate companies or contacts, making fraudulent emails nearly indistinguishable from genuine ones.
Google’s position on the issue
While the vulnerability exists in Google’s design, experts note it’s not a direct failure of security. Instead, criminals are exploiting a default feature never intended for abuse.
How to protect yourself
Go to Google Calendar Settings, navigate to the Events section, and adjust permissions for who can view or add event details. Restrict access wherever possible.
Temporary workaround for all users
If you exceed the storage threshold or don’t adjust settings, your data may remain exposed for months. Downloading and storing your content locally adds extra safety.
Why this matters for everyone
Even users who don’t actively rely on Calendar could be at risk, as the setting is enabled by default. Checking and updating it takes only a few minutes.
The bottom line
With billions of Gmail accounts in use, even small vulnerabilities create huge opportunities for scammers. Disabling risky settings is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
