What happened
Security researchers have uncovered new strains of AI-powered malware that use Google services such as Drive, Sheets, and Docs to communicate and evade detection. By disguising malicious traffic as legitimate Google activity, attackers can bypass traditional security filters and maintain persistence within target networks.
Who is affected
Organizations that rely heavily on Google Workspace or cloud collaboration tools are most at risk. The technique can be used against enterprises of any size, particularly those with limited visibility into cloud-based network traffic.
Why CISOs should care
This development marks a significant evolution in malware tactics, leveraging AI and trusted platforms to blend in with normal user behavior. As cloud adoption accelerates, CISOs must assume attackers will increasingly use legitimate SaaS environments to hide their activities and exfiltrate data undetected.
3 practical actions
- Enhance visibility into cloud app usage. Use CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) or similar tools to detect unusual behavior in Google Workspace and other SaaS platforms.
- Implement strict API access controls. Limit and monitor third-party integrations that can interact with Google services.
- Educate teams on AI-driven threats. Update security awareness programs to include emerging attack patterns that use trusted cloud services as command-and-control channels.