Table of contents
- A new face of phishing: fake events on Google Calendar
- Why target Google Calendar?
- Google apps and their hidden security flaws
- How to protect yourself from Calendar-based attacks
A new face of phishing: fake events on Google Calendar
Phishing is evolving fast, and the latest trick from cybercriminals is both sneaky and effective: they exploit users’ trust in Google Calendar by sending fake event invitations that contain fraudulent links.
The setup is deceptively simple. Imagine getting a notification or email that says a new event has been added to your calendar, such as:
“Introductory meeting – click here to confirm your attendance”
“Pending payment – view details”
“Urgent Zoom call – join now”
At first glance, nothing seems off. But those links lead to phishing websites where you’re asked to enter personal data, your Google login credentials, or even payment details. In some cases, a single click may trigger the automatic download of malware, compromising your device.
Example 1: the fake video call invite
A victim receives a Calendar invite titled “Urgent team briefing – today at 3:00 PM” with a link to join a Google Meet. The link, however, leads to a spoofed website that looks identical to Google’s login page. When the user enters their password to “join,” it’s immediately harvested by hackers.
Example 2: the payment confirmation scam
Another user gets an event invite titled “Payment rejected – review now,” which includes a link to a Google Form. The form asks for full name, address, tax ID, and IBAN. The user submits the information. Days later, they notice unauthorized withdrawals from their bank account.
Example 3: malware disguised as a document
One invite reads: “Contract PDF attached – click to download.” The link leads to a file that looks like a PDF but is actually an executable that installs a trojan on the victim’s device. This malware allows attackers to remotely access files and monitor activity.
These examples show just how easy it is to fall for such traps, especially when the invitation comes from a trusted platform like Google Calendar. The professional tone and sense of urgency make the invite feel legitimate, and a quick, unthinking click is all it takes to compromise your account or device.
That’s why it’s so important to stay alert, even when dealing with something as routine as a calendar notification.
Why target Google Calendar?
Google Calendar is far more than a digital agenda, it’s a central hub for daily productivity, relied on by individuals, companies, schools, and organizations across the world.
Its seamless integration with Gmail, Drive, Meet, and the entire Google Workspace ecosystem makes it a go-to tool for scheduling meetings, tracking deadlines, setting reminders, and managing team communications.
This widespread use is exactly what makes it so appealing to cybercriminals. Targeting such a popular platform offers a high probability of success, with the potential to intercept a wide range of users and gain access to sensitive personal data, contacts, and even confidential business information.
The new phishing attack using Google Calendar is a clever evolution of classic email-based scams. Instead of sending suspicious-looking messages to your inbox, attackers now send well-crafted event invites, exploiting the trust and credibility of the Google brand to bypass user skepticism.
Receiving a Calendar invite is seen as routine, even harmless. That’s why many users don’t take a moment to check who the sender is, where the link goes, or whether the event even makes sense. A single careless click, driven by curiosity or a sense of urgency, can result in:
- Identity theft;
- Compromised Google accounts;
- Unauthorized access to Drive documents;
- Malware spreading across company networks.
In business environments, the consequences can be even more severe. One compromised account might become the weak link in the entire IT infrastructure. Hackers can escalate privileges, access shared drives, download internal files, view financial reports, or steal intellectual property, potentially disrupting operations on a large scale.
This is why it’s crucial to never let your guard down, even with platforms that appear as safe and routine as your calendar.
Google apps and their hidden security flaws
Despite their popularity and frequent updates, Google apps are not immune to vulnerabilities.
The most common include:
- Unintentional file sharing on Drive, making sensitive documents accessible to anyone with the link;
- Mixing personal and work accounts, putting business data at risk;
- Weak or reused passwords, still a leading cause of account breaches;
- Fake Google Docs and Sheets, used to trick users into downloading malware or sharing private info;
- Lack of end-to-end encryption, leaving some data potentially exposed;
- Security bugs, which, if left unpatched, can be exploited by attackers to inject malware or access systems.
While Google’s tools are among the most secure globally, these weaknesses highlight the need for careful usage.
How to protect yourself from Calendar-based attacks
Google Calendar is a powerful productivity tool, but like all online platforms, it should be used with awareness and precaution. Below are some key cyber security practices, explained with real-world examples and technical tips to help both everyday users and professionals stay safe.
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your account. Google supports:
- Authenticator apps (e.g. Google Authenticator, Authy);
- Physical security keys (like YubiKey);
- Biometrics (fingerprint or face recognition);
- Avoid SMS-based 2FA, which is easier to intercept.
Example
Go to myaccount.google.com/security → “Signing in to Google” → “2-Step Verification” → Follow the setup instructions.
2. Keep personal and work accounts/devices separate
Mixing personal and professional accounts on the same device creates security risks:
- If one device is compromised, both environments are at risk;
- You might accidentally share sensitive company data from a personal account;
- Companies may be exposed to legal or compliance violations.
Pro tip:
Use separate browser profiles (chrome://settings/profiles) or different browsers for each account environment.
3. Keep systems, apps, and antivirus software up to date
The updates fix known flaws that can be exploited to:
- Credential theft;
- Malware injection;
- Session hijacking.
Linux example:
Automate updates with a simple script:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
For Windows, ensure Windows Update is enabled and automatic.
4. Review file sharing permissions in Google Drive
Many users forget to revoke access to Drive files and folders after a project, job application, or collaboration ends.
Practical example:
- Visit https://drive.google.com/drive/shared-with-me;
- Right-click a file → “Manage access”;
- Remove users or links you no longer want to share with.
Pro tip for admin:
Use Google Workspace Admin SDK to monitor large-scale sharing.
Example with Python + Google API:
from google.oauth2 import service_account
from googleapiclient.discovery import build
SCOPES = ['https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.metadata.readonly']
creds = service_account.Credentials.from_service_account_file(
'credentials.json', scopes=SCOPES)
service = build('drive', 'v3', credentials=creds)
results = service.files().list(q="sharedWithMe", pageSize=10).execute()
for item in results.get('files', []):
print(f"{item['name']} ({item['id']})")5. Don’t blindly trust Calendar invites
Just because an invite appears on Google Calendar doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always verify:
- Unknown senders? → Red flag
- Strange or shortened links? → Avoid
- Urgent or vague wording? → Likely phishing
Example:
You get an event titled “Billing issue – urgent response required” from billing.google.alerts@gmail.com. That looks legit — but it’s a fake domain. Only addresses ending in @google.com are authentic.
6. Back up your data: including Google Drive
Google Drive isn’t a true backup system. Files can be deleted, corrupted, overwritten, or infected. Use external backups regularly.
Example with rclone (open source tool):
rclone sync drive: ~/backups/drive --drive-root-folder-id yourFolderID
Or export your data with Google Takeout: https://takeout.google.com/7. Perform regular Google account security checks
Google offers a handy Security Checkup Tool that scans for:
- Connected devices;
- Recent activity;
- Third-party app access;
- Suspicious logins.
Run a check here: https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup
Even calendars can be dangerous
In an increasingly complex digital world, even an “innocent” app like the calendar can become a weapon in the wrong hands. Protecting your Google account means defending not only events and reminders, but access to your entire personal and business digital ecosystem.
Prevention, based on awareness, updates, smart access controls and secure habits, is still your best defense.
Final thoughts: trust, but verify
Cyber security today requires awareness, caution, and the right tools. The latest Google Calendar attack reminds us that even trustworthy platforms can be exploited. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and informed.
Questions and answers
- What is Google Calendar phishing?
It’s a cyber scam where hackers send fake calendar invites containing fraudulent links that lead to malicious websites or download malware. - Why do hackers target Google Calendar?
Because it’s widely used and integrated with Gmail, Drive, and Meet. Users tend to trust notifications from Google, making scams more effective. - Can I receive a fake invite even if I don’t accept events from strangers?
Yes. Depending on your settings, some invites may be automatically added to your calendar without your explicit approval. - How can I tell if an invite is fake?
Check the sender, read the message carefully, avoid suspicious links, and confirm that the sender’s email address is legitimate. - What’s the safest way to enable two-factor authentication?
Use an app like Google Authenticator or a physical security key. Avoid SMS, which is less secure and easier to intercept. - Is Google Drive safe as my only backup solution?
Not entirely. Google Drive is good for storage, but you should always do external and regular backups elsewhere. - How can I protect shared files on Google Drive?
Regularly check sharing permissions, and remove access for users who no longer need it. Avoid setting files to “Anyone with the link.” - What should I do if I click a suspicious link in a calendar invite?
Close the page immediately, sign out of your Google account, change your password, and run a full antivirus scan. - Are Google Calendar attacks only aimed at businesses?
No. Individual users are also targeted, especially if they don’t follow basic cyber security practices. - Where can I check the security of my Google account?
Use Google’s official Security Checkup tool here: https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup
