Google Forms, the form and quiz-building tool introduced by Google in 2008, has gained immense popularity over the years, with a market share of nearly 50%. However, this popularity has also attracted the attention of cybercriminals who are adept at exploiting popular technologies for their malicious activities. These threat actors are using Google Forms as a vector for social engineering and malware, aiming to harvest sensitive information from unsuspecting victims and trick them into installing harmful software.
The appeal of Google Forms to malicious actors lies in several key factors. Firstly, the tool is free to use, allowing threat actors to launch large-scale campaigns with minimal investment and potentially significant returns. Moreover, Google Forms is a trusted service among users, increasing the likelihood of victims believing that the forms they encounter are legitimate. The very legitimacy of Google Forms also makes it easier for malicious forms to bypass traditional email security filters.
Additionally, Google Forms is user-friendly, enabling cybercriminals to create convincing phishing campaigns with minimal effort or expertise. The tool’s encryption with TLS and utilization of dynamic URLs further complicate detection by security tools, making it challenging to identify and block malicious forms.
Most Google Forms threats revolve around phishing tactics aimed at extracting personal and financial information from victims. These attacks typically involve spoofing legitimate brands and organizations to deceive users into divulging sensitive data. Phishing emails containing links to malicious Google Forms are commonly used to lure victims into providing login credentials, financial details, or unknowingly installing malware on their devices.
Another variation of Google Forms attacks involves enticing users to call phone numbers listed on malicious forms, leading to voice phishing (vishing) schemes where individuals are manipulated into revealing personal information or downloading remote access software that grants cybercriminals control over their computers.
Cybercriminals have also exploited the quiz feature in Google Forms to distribute spam messages containing links to phishing, malware, or scam sites. Real-world incidents of Google Forms attacks include the BazarCall scam, where victims received emails impersonating trusted brands like PayPal and Netflix, and phishing campaigns targeting US universities.
To protect against Google Forms attacks, users are advised to implement multi-layered security solutions, remain vigilant for phishing scams, use strong and unique passwords for all accounts, enable multi-factor authentication, and follow Google’s warning to never submit passwords through Google Forms. In the event of a suspected attack, changing passwords, running malware scans, and notifying financial institutions are recommended steps to mitigate potential damage.
By being informed about the tactics used by cybercriminals and adopting proactive security measures, individuals can safeguard themselves against the threats posed by malicious Google Forms. It is crucial to approach unsolicited emails with caution, even if they appear to be from trusted sources, and prioritize online security practices to avoid falling victim to social engineering schemes facilitated through popular tools like Google Forms.