Crypto Phishing Scams Exploit Google Infrastructure, Founder Warns

Phishing scams targeting crypto users have evolved, with attackers leveraging Google’s infrastructure to conduct highly convincing attacks. On April 16, Nick Johnson, the founder and lead developer of Ethereum Name Service (ENS), highlighted a new method used by cybercriminals to compromise Gmail accounts and potentially target associated crypto wallets.
Johnson explained that attackers exploit a loophole in Google’s ecosystem, allowing them to send phishing emails that appear as genuine security alerts from Google. These emails are signed with valid DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) signatures, enabling them to bypass spam filters and appear authentic to recipients. Once opened, these emails direct users to a counterfeit support portal hosted on a Google subdomain, prompting victims to log in and upload sensitive documents. Johnson warned that the attackers are likely harvesting credentials, which could compromise Gmail accounts and any services linked to those emails.
The phishing sites are built using Google’s Sites platform, which allows custom scripts and embedded content. While this flexibility benefits legitimate users, it also allows malicious actors to create convincing phishing portals. Johnson noted that there’s currently no way to report abuse directly through the Google Sites interface, making it easier for attackers to keep their content online. He suggested that Google should disable scripts and arbitrary embeds in Sites to mitigate this phishing vector.
To further enhance the illusion of legitimacy, the scammers create a Google OAuth application that formats and shares the phishing message. These messages are complete with structured text and what appears to be contact information for Google Legal Support. Johnson reported that he submitted a bug report to Google about this vulnerability, but the search engine giant reportedly stated that the features work as intended and do not constitute a security issue. Johnson urged Google to consider limiting script and embedding functionality to help prevent future abuse.
This incident underscores the increasing sophistication of phishing campaigns within the crypto space. The use of Google’s infrastructure to conduct these attacks highlights the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance among crypto users. As phishing scams continue to evolve, it is crucial for both users and platforms to stay informed and proactive in protecting against these threats.

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