Google warns users of increasing account hacking incidents

In recent months, Google has reported a significant surge in hacking incidents targeting user accounts, particularly highlighting password-stealing threats that have risen dramatically in number. This rise is attributed to a variety of phishing scams and credential theft techniques becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. Official statements from Google emphasize that these threats intensified particularly in 2025, with a notable 84% increase in such attacks compared to the previous year, which has alarmed both users and security experts alike. Andy Wen, Google's senior director of product management, communicated concerns regarding the frequency of these attacks, which are claimed to drive 37% of all successful intrusions. He discussed the dangers associated with cookie and authentication token theft, methods that are increasingly being deployed by hackers to compromise accounts. These alarming statistics serve as a wake-up call for users, prompting them to be more vigilant about their online security. In a community-driven effort to address the problem, users have flooded various online platforms such as Google and Reddit forums seeking assistance in recovering their hacked accounts. Many have shared their distressing experiences and the challenges they’ve faced in regaining access to their accounts, illustrating that these incidents are affecting a substantial number of individuals and businesses. On July 29, Google released an announcement highlighting the severity of the situation, urging users to take immediate and effective measures to secure their accounts. To aid users who find themselves victims of hacking, Google has provided guidelines outlining steps for account recovery. They suggest users visit the recovery page at g.co/recover and enter their Gmail address, preferably using a computer or phone previously linked to the account. Questions posed by Google during recovery should be answered to the best of the user's ability. A critical piece of advice noted by Google is to reset passwords promptly once the user regains access to their accounts, always keeping in mind that Google never requests passwords or verification codes through email or direct messages, a tactic often exploited by hackers. In summary, the increased hacking attempts on Google accounts prompt a crucial need for awareness and proactive measures for users to safeguard their personal information online.