Gmail Data Breach: What Louisiana and Texas Users Need to Know

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - If you use Google's email service, then you might want to think about changing your password over the next few days. There has been some issue with Gmail, and we've got everything Louisiana and Texas residents need to know about what's going on...

Speaking from personal experience, Google has really mastered everything. From a workplace standpoint, they have Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, and so much more that I use on a daily basis.

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It feels like every day, there is another scam trying to trick people or take some of their money, but this time, some of your personal contact information could be in jeopardy.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE GMAIL DATA BREACH?

A hacker group called ShinyHunters tricked a Google worker into installing some bad software, which in turn gave them access to the Salesforce system.

Google is warning its 2.5 billion Gmail users to be careful after hackers broke into one of its systems. The breach came through Google’s Salesforce database, which stored business contact info like names, phone numbers, and emails.

READ MORE: Authorities Warn Residents About Fake Police Scam Call

THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR LOUISIANA & TEXAS GMAIL USERS

It's not all bad news... Google says that the hackers did not get into your Gmail messages, passwords, or private information. It appears that the stolen data was basic business information. Scammers are now using the stolen info to send fake emails and phone calls. Some even pretend to be Google staff and use fake Google phone numbers.

WHAT SHOULD GMAIL USERS DO?

• Change your Gmail password.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) or use passkeys for extra protection.
• Do a Google “Security Checkup” to review your settings.
• Ignore suspicious calls or emails claiming to be from Google—Google will not call you out of nowhere about account problems.