Google will now warn of phishing, malware and ransomware when opening files in Google Drive.
Google Drive integrates with numerous apps to open files in the cloud. Think of Google Docs for .docx’s, Adobe Acrobat for .pdf’s and Music Player for .mp3’s. Although downloading a file has triggered a warning for some time, executing files within Google Drive is done without hesitation. Starting today, Google always includes a warning about phishing, malware, and ransomware risks.
The warning appears in a banner. The banner will look familiar if you regularly work with Google Workspace. Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings were updated with the same banner earlier this year. With the introductions, Google hopes to combat the growing abuse of Google Workspace.
Massive phishing campaigns
Earlier, Google introduced phishing, malware and ransomware warnings for users targeted by hacking groups. In 2021, hacking groups APT28 and Fancy Bear launched enormous phishing campaigns, prompting Google to dispatch 50,000 warnings — 33 percent more than the year before.
Unlike the warnings mentioned above, the new warnings are dispatched to every user. You no longer have to be considered a target to receive an alert. The feature cannot be turned off.
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