Google is urging Gmail's 2.5 billion users to change their passwords immediately.

With over 2.5 billion active users globally, Google's Gmail is a prime target for hackers. Google reported last month that phishing and credential theft techniques are increasing, accounting for 37% of successful breaches. Google advises Gmail users to update their passwords to secure their accounts.

Compounding the issue, hackers are contacting Gmail users via phone and email, posing as Google Support, which has been effective. Two-factor authentication is vulnerable. Hackers use phishing, hoping users will click on deceptive links to fake sign-in pages. Unsuspecting users may enter personal data, including passwords and social security numbers, which are then used by malicious actors to steal 2FA codes.

Google reports that while passwords can be stolen, guessed, or forgotten, 64% of users do not regularly change them. Therefore, most Gmail users should change their passwords now, if they have not done so this year, and continue to update them periodically. Rather than using a browser-based password manager like Chrome, a standalone password manager is recommended. After updating a Gmail password, users should switch their 2FA to an authenticator app that creates single-use verification codes.

Creating a passkey is also advised. A passkey can be a phone's biometric unlock feature, like a fingerprint or facial recognition, or a PIN. Passkeys are more secure against phishing because users cannot be tricked into giving them to attackers. Currently, only 34% of U.S. consumers use passkeys. On devices with passkeys, a prompt asking for a password should be considered a sign not to sign in. Users should also avoid signing in through links, even those that appear to come from Google.

In other news, after a year of development, we're excited to announce the upcoming release of "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" in a few months.

This coffee table book is a must-have for tech enthusiasts, chronicling the 21st century's technological revolution. Follow the link below for more details.