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Why that Google Meet error might be a sneaky hacker trick

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Why that Google Meet error might be a sneaky hacker trick

A new scam called ClickFix is targeting users and is on the rise in the U.S. As the name suggests, it prompts you to click on a link, claiming to fix an issue, but in reality it infects your computer with malware.

reported on this earlier, detailing how threat actors used messages impersonating errors from Google Chrome, Microsoft Word and OneDrive to infect users’ computers. 

Now, a similar type of attack is affecting Google Meet users, regardless of whether they’re using a Windows PC or a Mac. I explain how this cyberattack works and what you can do to protect yourself.

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A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How the Google Meet trap works

According to French cybersecurity company Sekoia, it all starts with an email containing a link to a Google Meet. The email can come from any address and may be socially engineered to look like it’s related to your organization. It could link to a Google Meet invite for a meeting, webinar, online collaboration or something similar. When you click on the link, you’ll be directed to a fake Google Meet page, which will soon display a warning claiming there’s an issue with your PC. It might say your microphone or camera isn’t working or there’s a problem with your headset.

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You can expect to see the following URLs in these fake meeting emails:

meet[.]google[.]us-join[.]com

meet[.]google[.]web-join[.]com

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meet[.]googie[.]com-join[.]us

meet[.]google[.]cdm-join[.]us

This fake page will also display a pop-up offering to fix the issue, showing phrases like “Press the key combination” or “CTRL+V.” When you follow these instructions, malicious code is pasted into the Windows prompt, infecting your computer with malware. Once the code is on your computer, hackers can gain access to your cryptocurrencies, sensitive files and personal information.

Sekoia has uncovered several other malware distribution clusters beyond Google Meet. These include platforms like Zoom, PDF readers, fake video games (such as Lunacy, Calipso, Battleforge and Ragon), web3 browsers and projects like NGT Studio and messenger apps such as Nortex.

Fake Google Meet page (Sekoia)

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The bigger picture

Back in July, McAfee noticed that ClickFix campaigns were ramping up, especially in the U.S. and Japan (via Bleeping Computer). Lately, two groups – Slavic Nation Empire and Scamquerteo – have been behind some of these attacks. Both are said to be offshoots of larger crypto scam gangs Marko Polo and CryptoLove.

Earlier this year, Proofpoint found that malware was spreading by pretending to be fake error messages for Google Chrome, Word and OneDrive, tricking people into downloading malicious code. They also pointed out a method called “email lure,” where hackers send fake emails pretending to be from MS Word to infect computers.

Fake page requests (Sekoia)

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4 ways to protect yourself from harmful software

The fake Google Meet page creates a sense of urgency, making users click on the links and unknowingly compromise their devices. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from such cyberattacks.

1. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious transactions, report them immediately to your bank or credit card company.

3. Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification.

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4. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Hackers have come up with sneaky ways to trick you into installing malware. They use social engineering to make emails and website prompts look legit, hoping you’ll click on a link and follow their instructions. The best way to protect yourself is by avoiding unknown links and always checking the URL of the page you’re on before taking any action.

Have you ever received an email or prompt that looked suspicious but seemed legitimate at first glance? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Bill Gates says accusations contained in Epstein files are ‘absolutely absurd’

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Bill Gates says accusations contained in Epstein files are ‘absolutely absurd’

Reports of Bill Gates’ connections with Jeffrey Epstein grow more lurid with each dump of documents from the Department of Justice. The latest includes somewhat confusing emails that Epstein may have been drafting on behalf of someone named Boris, who worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The messages claim that Bill contracted an STD and wanted to “surreptitiously” give Melinda antibiotics. It also claims that Bill had “trysts” with married women and “Russian girls.”

“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”

It’s unclear who the Boris referenced in the emails is, or if the messages were ever sent to anyone. Only Epstein is listed in the to and from fields.

Gates’ relationship with Epstein has become a major issue for the billionaire philanthropist. He initially downplayed his connections, but documents have suggested the two were closer than Gates admitted. He has repeatedly denied associating with Epstein outside of fundraising and philanthropic efforts and said their meetings were a “huge mistake.” However, Melinda Gates has stated that Bill’s association with Epstein played a role in her decision to file for divorce.

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AI wearable helps stroke survivors speak again

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AI wearable helps stroke survivors speak again

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Losing the ability to speak clearly after a stroke can feel devastating. For many survivors, the words are still there in their minds, but their bodies will not cooperate. Speech becomes slow, unclear or fragmented. This condition, known as dysarthria, affects nearly half of all stroke survivors and can make everyday communication exhausting. Now, researchers believe they may have found a better way forward. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a wearable device called Revoice. It is designed to help people with post-stroke speech impairment communicate naturally again without surgery or brain implants.

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A soft, flexible choker like this houses Revoice’s sensors, which read subtle throat vibrations to help reconstruct speech in real time. (University of Cambridge)

Why dysarthria makes recovery so hard

Dysarthria is a physical speech disorder. A stroke can weaken the muscles in the face, mouth and vocal cords. As a result, speech may sound slurred, slow or incomplete. Many people can only say a few words at a time, even though they know exactly what they want to say. According to professor Luigi Occhipinti, that disconnect creates deep frustration. Stroke survivors often work with speech therapists using repetitive drills. These exercises help over time, but open-ended conversation remains difficult. Recovery can take months or even longer, which leaves patients struggling during daily interactions with family, caregivers and doctors.

How the Revoice device works

Revoice takes a very different approach. Instead of asking users to type, track their eyes or rely on implants, the device reads subtle physical signals from the throat and neck. It looks like a soft, flexible choker made from breathable, washable fabric. Inside are ultra-sensitive textile strain sensors and a small wireless circuit board. When a user silently mouths words, the sensors detect tiny vibrations in the throat muscles. At the same time, the device measures pulse signals in the neck to estimate emotional state.

Those signals are processed by two artificial intelligence (AI) agents:

  • One reconstructs words from mouthed speech
  • The other interprets emotion and context to build complete sentences

Together, they allow Revoice to turn a few mouthed words into fluent speech in real time.

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This diagram shows how Revoice combines throat muscle signals and pulse data with AI to turn silently mouthed words into full, expressive sentences in real time. (University of Cambridge)

Why this AI approach is different

Earlier silent speech systems had serious limits. Many were tested only on healthy volunteers. Others forced users to pause for several seconds between words, which made the conversation feel unnatural. Revoice avoids those delays. It uses an AI-driven throat sensor system paired with a lightweight language model. Because the model runs efficiently, it uses very little power and delivers near-instant responses. The device is powered by a 1,800 mWh battery, which researchers expect will last a full day on a single charge.

What early trials revealed

After refining the system with healthy participants, researchers tested Revoice with five stroke patients who had dysarthria.

The results were striking:

  • Word error rate: 4.2%
  • Sentence error rate: 2.9%

In one example, a patient mouthed the phrase “We go hospital.” Revoice expanded it into a complete sentence that reflected urgency and frustration, based on emotional signals and context. Participants reported a 55% increase in satisfaction and said the device helped them communicate as fluently as they did before their stroke.

PARALYZED MAN WALKS AGAIN AFTER EXPERIMENTAL DRUG TRIAL TRIGGERS REMARKABLE RECOVERY

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This figure breaks down the Revoice hardware and AI pipeline, showing how strain sensors, wireless electronics, and emotion decoding work together to reconstruct natural speech. (University of Cambridge)

Beyond stroke recovery

Researchers believe Revoice could also help people with Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease. Because the device is comfortable, washable, and designed for daily wear, it could fit into real-world routines rather than being confined to clinics. Before that can happen, larger clinical trials are required. The research team plans to begin broader studies with native English-speaking patients and hopes to expand the system to support multiple languages and a wider range of emotional expressions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

What this means for you

If you or someone you care for has experienced a stroke, this research points to a major shift in recovery tools. Revoice suggests that speech assistance does not need to be invasive to be effective. A wearable solution could support communication during the most difficult months of rehabilitation, when confidence and independence often suffer the most. It may also reduce stress for caregivers who struggle to understand incomplete or unclear speech. Clear communication can improve medical care, emotional well-being and daily decision-making.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Communication is tied closely to dignity and independence. For stroke survivors, losing that ability can be one of the hardest parts of recovery. Revoice shows how artificial intelligence and wearable tech can work together to restore something deeply human. While it is still early, this device represents a meaningful step toward making recovery feel less isolating and more hopeful.

If a simple wearable could help restore natural speech, should it become a standard part of stroke rehabilitation? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Nvidia CEO denies he’s ‘unhappy’ with OpenAI

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Nvidia CEO denies he’s ‘unhappy’ with OpenAI

“We are going to make a huge investment in OpenAI. I believe in OpenAI, the work that they do is incredible, they are one of the most consequential companies of our time and I really love working with Sam,” he said, referring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

“Sam is closing the round (of investment) and we will absolutely be involved,” Huang added. “We will invest a great deal of money, probably the largest investment we’ve ever made.”

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