No, Google did not advise 2.5 billion Gmail users to change their passwords for improved SEO.

Google has refuted claims regarding a supposed warning issued to all Gmail users to reset their passwords due to a recent data breach affecting some Workspace accounts. Numerous news outlets and cybersecurity firms reported on this so-called “urgent warning,” suggesting that 2.5 billion Gmail users worldwide were advised to enable two-step authentication and change their passwords. In a blog post addressing these inaccuracies, Google stated, “Gmail’s protections are strong and effective, and claims of a major Gmail security warning are false.” The company emphasised that over 99.9% of phishing and malware attacks are blocked by Gmail’s security measures and encouraged users to adopt passkeys to safeguard their accounts against potential hijacking.

This incident highlights a recurring issue where media and cybersecurity companies report unverified stories. Google pointed out that several inaccurate claims have emerged recently, including a widely circulated narrative about “one of the largest data breaches in history,” which was actually a compilation of previously leaked credentials. Additionally, a February 2024 report about 3 million electric toothbrushes allegedly infected with malware for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks was based on a hypothetical scenario rather than an actual event. Google reiterated the importance of accurate communication regarding security risks and protections, underscoring their commitment to user safety. 

Categories: Cybersecurity Misinformation, Gmail Security Measures, Data Breach Reporting Accuracy 

Tags: Gmail, Google, Data Breach, Passwords, Two-Step Authentication, Security, Phishing, Malware, Credentials, Cybersecurity