Tech giant Google has issued a crucial warning for Indian internet users about sophisticated new cyber threats that combine artificial intelligence with deceptive software to target unsuspecting consumers. The November 6 security update reveals several rapidly growing dangers, with malicious VPN applications emerging as particularly concerning.
Fake VPN Apps: The New Cyber Threat
According to Google's latest threat report, cybercriminals are increasingly disguising harmful software as trusted virtual private network tools to infiltrate user devices. These dangerous applications frequently imitate popular VPN brands or use aggressive social-engineering tactics to trick users into installation.
The scammers employ sexually suggestive advertisements or fear-based messaging connected to geopolitical events to manipulate potential victims. Once users download these malicious apps, the fraudulent VPNs can deliver various dangerous malware types including information-stealers, remote access trojans, and banking trojans.
Google emphasized that hackers can access users' browsing history and crucial credentials through these compromised applications. The company recommends enabling Google Play Protect, noting that its enhanced fraud-protection pilot can automatically block installation of highly risky apps obtained through sideloading from browsers, messaging apps, or file managers.
Job Scams Target Indian Job Seekers
Google reports a sharp increase in employment scams specifically targeting Indian job seekers. Criminal organizations are creating convincing replicas of recruitment websites, fake government job notices, and fraudulent recruiter profiles to exploit the competitive job market.
Victims typically face demands for upfront fees or are asked to share sensitive documents during sham video interviews. Some job seekers are tricked into installing malicious interview software that compromises both their personal devices and corporate networks.
The company confirmed that its Misrepresentation policy strictly prohibits such fraudulent advertisements. Additional protection is available through tools like Gmail phishing detection, Messages Scam Detection, and 2-Step Verification.
Business Extortion and AI Impersonation
Indian businesses are facing review-bombing campaigns designed to force extortion payments. Scammers flood business profiles with false one-star ratings, then contact the owners privately with threats of further damage unless money is paid. Google Maps is implementing new reporting mechanisms to help merchants flag these extortion attempts directly.
With AI tools gaining unprecedented popularity, criminals are impersonating popular services to lure users into downloading harmful applications, fleeceware subscriptions, or credential-stealing extensions. Fake offers of free or exclusive access are heavily promoted through hijacked social media accounts, cloaked advertisements, and malicious code repositories.
Google's Play Store and Chrome Web Store enforcement teams are actively removing applications that mimic legitimate AI products, while Safe Browsing's AI-powered protections warn users about risky downloads in real time.
Recovery Scams and Holiday Threats
In a particularly cruel twist, individuals who have already lost money to scams are being targeted again by fraudsters posing as investigators, government agencies, or law firms claiming they can recover stolen funds. These operations often rely on convincing websites or AI-generated documents and demand additional upfront fees.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, Google anticipates a significant spike in fake online shops, misleading discounts, and phishing messages disguised as delivery updates. New protections have been introduced for Pixel 9 users who opt into Enhanced Protection in Chrome, using on-device Gemini models to detect emerging threats.
Key security recommendations for Indian users include remaining cautious of misleading VPN apps disguised as legitimate services, enabling Google Play Protect and Enhanced Protection features, and maintaining vigilance against scams especially during high-traffic shopping periods like the upcoming holiday season.
