A new and sophisticated phishing technique is emerging, leveraging AI-powered email summary features to deceive users. This method exploits how AI tools synthesize email content, potentially bypassing traditional security measures that focus on the full email body.
Attackers are crafting malicious emails designed specifically to manipulate AI summarization tools. While the full email might contain code or formatting that makes malicious links or content less obvious to a human reader or standard email scanner, the AI summarization process inadvertently extracts and highlights the harmful elements.
The danger lies in the fact that users often rely on these convenient summaries for a quick overview of their inbox. A seemingly innocuous summary generated by the AI can contain embedded malicious links or deceptive information that is easily clickable. The user, trusting the summary provided by a reputable service, might click on a link within the summary without ever opening or scrutinizing the original, potentially suspicious email.
This technique is particularly effective because it exploits the user interface layer – what the AI chooses to show the user – rather than directly attacking vulnerabilities in the email sending or receiving infrastructure. It represents an evolution in phishing tactics, moving beyond simple link obfuscation to manipulating how AI interprets and presents information.
Protecting yourself requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism, even with AI-powered tools. Here are some key steps:
- Do Not Blindly Trust Summaries: While convenient, AI summaries should be treated as previews, not definitive sources of truth.
- Always Verify the Original Email: If an email summary prompts you to take action (like clicking a link, providing information, or opening an attachment), always open the full original email to inspect it carefully before proceeding. Look for grammatical errors, unusual formatting, or suspicious sender addresses.
- Hover Over Links (with caution): Before clicking any link, try hovering your mouse cursor over it (in the original email, as hovering over links in summaries might not display the destination). Check the URL that appears to ensure it goes to a legitimate website you expect.
- Be Suspicious of Unexpected Requests: Treat any email requesting sensitive information, payment, or login credentials with extreme caution, especially if it’s unexpected.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access your accounts even if they obtain your password through a phishing attempt.
As AI tools become more integrated into our daily workflows, attackers will continue to find innovative ways to exploit them. Staying informed about these evolving threats and adopting robust security practices is crucial for protecting your personal and professional information online.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-gemini-flaw-hijacks-email-summaries-for-phishing/
