What Is Google Critical Security Alert: Scam or Not? How to Get Rid of It

Cybercriminals don’t stay put. Designed to warn you of a possible suspicious activity, the Google Critical Security Alert is now raising doubts about its legitimacy. Scammers have been using this security feature to their advantage to abuse user data. This article will tell you all about a Google Critical Security Alert scam and what to do if you get such an email (both real and not). 

Is the Google Security Alert real? 

First things first, yes, an authentic Google’s Critical Security Alert is a useful security feature that warns you about suspicious activity on your account. Google can tell you that dozens of emails have been sent from your account at once, or that someone has logged into an app using your account. But users mostly receive these alerts after buying a new device and logging in from it for the first time. When Google sees a new sign-in attempt from an unknown device, it sends a security alert to notify users that someone might know their password.

This is mostly a preventive measure, with users usually disregarding it when logging in from a new device. But…not all new logins may come from you. Some can be actual fraud attempts. And here’s when trouble begins. 

How does the Google Critical Security Alert scam look?

While Google sends alerts to accounts that may be compromised, scammers can send out similar messages, hoping to get user data. Introducing themselves as Google, they send phishing emails — number one cybercrime in 2020 — with the same context. Google itself states that hackers may try to replicate its security alerts in order to steal account information. If you’ve received such an email while not logging in from a new device, chances are the message may be a scam. 

So, what does a Google Critical Security Alert scam look like, and how does it differ from a real one? 

How to tell if a critical security alert is a scam

The simplest way to tell if a security alert is fake is to check your recent Google account activity. If no notification matches the timing of the message you received, the email could be fake. To avoid complications, you should never open any links until you’ve confirmed authenticity. You can also check out headers to see if there are any anomalies. 

Here’s how to show headers in Gmail:

1. Go to Gmail and open the message you want to inspect.

2. Click the More button and select Show original.

Certain information within the headers, such as Return-Path, can help you determine email authenticity. For example, a return path that doesn’t lead to a Google domain could indicate that the email came from another source.

How to distinguish a real Google Security Alert from a fake one

If still doubting email’s authenticity, you can tell a real Google security alert email from a fake one by looking at the following:

1. Email address from which you received the message. Almost always, the email address Google uses for sending emails reads as [email protected] Hence, if you received the security alert from a different email, it could be a scam. Besides, hackers will sometimes spoof an email address to make the message appear as though it came from a legitimate source.
2. Information on recent sign-in activity. Google’s alert email usually contains information on such info as your device type, location, and time. Meanwhile, scammers’ emails most likely contain phishing links, infected attachments, phony contact information, or other similar things.

If one of the above checks out, you can determine whether the email is fake. But when you discover that it is real, what should you do? And if it turns out to be fake, how should you respond? Let’s find out.  

What to do if you get a (real) Google Critical Security Alert

If you receive a Google critical security alert, first check to see if the email is legitimate. Once you confirm this, identify what could have triggered the notification (whether you’ve logged in from a new device, and so on). Considering your recent actions and checking account activity will help you understand the reason behind the alert.

Here’s what to do after receiving a Google critical security alert:

1. Go to the Google’s Recent Security Activity page.

2. Check each recent alert — focusing on device and location information — and try to identify any suspicious activity.
3. If you detect an unauthorized sign-in attempt, click See unfamiliar activity? at the top of the page to change your password and sign out of all devices.

In most cases, the timing of the alert will correspond to a legitimate activity listed in your notifications. If no events connect to the message you received, the email could be fake.

Think you’ve got scammed? Let’s see what can be done.

What to do if you got scammed by a critical security alert

If you fall for a fake Google critical security alert email, you can take these steps to mitigate the damage:

1. Immediately change the passwords of any compromised accounts using a different device.
2. Cancel the relevant cards if you provided any credit card details. 
3. Scan for and remove any malicious software downloaded during the scam — opening a fraudulent link will most likely install malware on your device. This may require some technical know-how. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, try a third-party malware detection software, like the one offered by VeePN (more on that in a bit).

For a safe browsing experience, you should take extra security measures. And using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like VeePN is one of them. It encrypts all your data and changes your IP address, protecting your online identity. VeePN has dedicated apps for various OS, as well as  browser extensions, with all having more security gems. For example, VeePN Chrome Extension includes the powerful Malware Evader that automatically blocks malicious domains, including links to phishing websites. This will prevent you from falling into a phishing scam. Let’s learn more.  

How to avoid Google’s Critical Security Alert scam

Phishing attempts are common. But spotting a scam and avoiding it is relatively easy with a little knowledge and the right tools.

Check all emails for signs of a phishing attempt

Here are some tips for identifying phishing emails and avoiding a security alert scam:

• Never open highly suspicious emails.
• Check all email sender addresses.
• Inspect links before clicking.
• Never click any suspicious links.
• Analyze email headers for signs of forgery.
• Use software, like VeePN, for boosting your security online.

Use Malware Evader in the VeePN browser extension

Sometimes suspicious activity is difficult to spot, but a good browser extension can help identify malware before it infects your device. The Malware Evader tool included in VeePN’s Chrome extension blocks access to known phishing sites and other domains that contain malicious software.

Here’s how you can use VeePN to identify suspicious links:

1. Create a VeePN account and install the extension for your browser.
2. Go to the “Extensions” tab in Chrome and launch VeePN. Click the menu at the top-left corner.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Scroll down to Malware Evader and toggle it on.

Just like that — VeePN will spot the scams so you don’t have to! On top of that, the extension includes an ad blocker, tracker blocking, and other security tools. You can enable a needed feature in Settings in just one click. But keep in mind that the browser extension only protects browser traffic. If you want to keep all of your data safe when using the Internet, go for a dedicated app instead, based on your operating system. 

Bottom line

Once we know the tricks scammers play, catching us in their traps becomes much more difficult. That said, even the most tech-savvy among us can falter. So, combining knowledge with good security tools is critical to online safety. Why let it all go with the flow? 

Download VeePN and boost your online security in just a few clicks. 

FAQ

How do I fix Google’s critical security alert?

If you receive a Google critical security alert, first check to see if the email is legitimate. You can tell a real Google security alert email from a fake one by looking at the email address from which you received the message and the information on recent sign-in activity. If you’ve got Google’s critical security alert scam:

1. Immediately change the passwords of any compromised accounts using a different device.
2. Cancel the relevant cards if you provided any credit card details.
3. Scan for and remove any malicious software downloaded during the scam.

Find out more in this article. 

Why is Google giving me a security warning?

This way, Google warns you about suspicious activity on your account. Google can tell you that dozens of emails have been sent from your account at once or that someone has logged into an app using your account. But users mostly receive a security warning after buying a new device and logging in from it for the first time. When Google sees a new sign-in attempt from an unknown device, it sends a security alert to notify users that someone might know their password.

Is Google password alert real?

Yes, an authentic Google’s Critical Security Alert is a useful security feature that warns you about suspicious activity on your account. Learn more in this article. 

What does a legit email from Google look like?

If doubting email’s authenticity, you can tell if Google security alert email is real by looking at the following:

1. Email address from which you received the message. Almost always, the email address Google uses for sending emails reads as [email protected] 
2. Information on recent sign-in activity. Google’s alert email usually contains information on such info as your device type, location, and time.