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Calendar Phishing: How Cybercriminals Are Targeting Your Calendar

By Margaret Concannon | January 31, 2025
Margaret is the Content Marketing Manager at Ntiva, and has been a marketer for managed services providers since 2013.
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In today’s digital world, cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to trick unsuspecting users. One increasingly popular technique is calendar phishing—a sneaky tactic that exploits vulnerabilities in email and calendar systems to deliver malicious content right to your daily schedule.

 

What is Calendar Phishing?

Calendar phishing is an attack method where scammers send unsolicited calendar invites that automatically appear on your calendar, particularly for Gmail users with default settings. Unlike traditional phishing emails that target your inbox, these invitations exploit the automatic event-adding features of platforms like Google Calendar.

When a user clicks on the event or the link inside it, they are often redirected to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive personal information or trick them into downloading malware.

How Does It Work?

The scam typically begins with an email containing a calendar invite that includes a link to a malicious website. Unfortunately, due to default settings in Gmail, these events are automatically added to your calendar, even if they come from unknown sources.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

  1. Automatic Addition to Calendar: By default, Google Calendar automatically adds event invites from emails, which means the phishing link gets embedded directly into your calendar.
  2. Legitimate-Looking Notifications: Google sends users a notification about the new event. Because it seems like a regular calendar update, many people don't suspect it's a scam.
  3. Phishing Link: The event invite usually contains a link directing users to a phishing website, which may look like a legitimate page (e.g., a prize notification or account verification).
  4. Data Theft: Once users engage with the link, they're often asked to provide personal details such as their name, address, phone number, or even credit card information. In some cases, they might be prompted to log into their email or other accounts, which leads to credential theft.

Who is Targeted?

While Gmail users are particularly vulnerable due to the auto-accept feature, this threat isn’t limited to Google's platform. Outlook and other calendar apps can also be exploited—though they often require users to manually accept invites. Regardless of the platform, the core issue is that these scams often mimic legitimate event notifications, making them hard to spot.

Common Tactics Used in Calendar Phishing

Here are some typical red flags and tactics used in these attacks:

  • Fake Prize Notifications: Invitations often promise the user has won a valuable prize, like an iPhone or gift card, and require personal information to claim it.
  • Credential Phishing: Scammers may send invites that appear to come from reputable sources, like Microsoft, urging users to “verify” their account through a malicious link.
  • Urgent Action Requests: Cybercriminals play on urgency, with calendar events labeled as "Important" or "Urgent," tricking users into taking immediate action without thinking.

How to Protect Yourself from Calendar Phishing

Luckily, it’s easy to safeguard your calendar from these phishing attempts with a few quick adjustments and heightened awareness.

Adjust Your Google Calendar Settings

One of the simplest ways to avoid calendar phishing is to disable automatic event additions in Google Calendar. Here’s how:

  1. Open Google Calendar.

  2. Click the gear icon and select Settings.

  3. Scroll to Event Settings.

  4. Under Automatically add invitations, select No, only show invitations to which I have responded.

  5. Under View Options, uncheck Show declined events unless you wish to see them.

Be Wary of Unfamiliar Invites

Even if your calendar settings are adjusted, always be cautious when receiving unexpected or unfamiliar event invitations. If something looks suspicious or too good to be true (like a sudden prize offer), avoid interacting with it.

Strengthen Your General Cybersecurity Practices

  • Don’t Click Unknown Links: Whether it’s in a calendar event or an email, avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar or unexpected sources.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security for your accounts can protect you even if your credentials are compromised.

  • Keep Software Updated: Ensure your calendar app and email platforms are up to date, as these updates often contain security patches.

 Stay Vigilant Against Evolving Threats

Cyber threats like calendar phishing remind us that the landscape of online attacks is constantly evolving. Staying informed, adjusting your settings proactively, and being vigilant about unusual calendar invites can help keep you one step ahead of these emerging threats. Regularly reviewing your security practices and staying updated on the latest risks will significantly reduce your vulnerability.

For an extra layer of protection, consider partnering with experts who can provide comprehensive security solutions tailored to your needs.  Reach out to Ntiva for professional cybersecurity services to help safeguard your organization from evolving threats like calendar phishing and more. Contact us today to ensure your business is fully equipped to defend against the latest cyber risks.

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