Cyberattackers have found a new way to exploit Google’s Gemini AI tool. It could leave your business exposed if your team relies on AI for email communications.
A recently disclosed vulnerability shows how hackers can hide secret instructions in emails that trick Gemini into generating fake summaries with phishing messages. For business owners, it’s another reminder that cyber threats keep evolving, and so should your defenses.
What Happened
Security researcher Marco Figueroa revealed a method to attack Google Gemini for Workspace. Here’s how it works:
- Attackers embed hidden commands inside emails using invisible text styling (white font color, zero-size text).
- Gemini “sees” those hidden instructions when summarizing the email, even though users can’t.
- The AI might then produce a summary containing false security warnings, phone numbers, or steps that direct users to scammers.
No links. No attachments. Just a normal-looking email that Gemini summarizes with malicious instructions. That makes it harder for standard security filters to detect the threat.
Why It’s Dangerous
People trust Gemini because it’s part of Google Workspace. Many assume summaries generated by Gemini are safe and reliable.
That trust is exactly what attackers are exploiting. If your team uses Gemini summaries, they could see a message like:
“Your Gmail password has been compromised. Call this number immediately.”
It looks official. It sounds urgent. And that’s how cyberattackers win.
This threat doesn’t just target large corporations. Small and mid-sized businesses are at risk, too, especially those that rely on AI tools for efficiency and quick decision-making.
What Google Is Doing
Google is working on new protections to fight these prompt injection attacks, including:
- Prompt injection content classifiers – Machine learning tools that detect hidden malicious instructions in emails or documents.
- Security thought reinforcement – Built-in reminders for Gemini to ignore suspicious commands and stay on task.
- Markdown sanitization and suspicious URL redaction – Stripping out unsafe links or hidden images that could be used in attacks.
- User confirmation framework – Requiring human approval for risky actions triggered by AI prompts.
- Security notifications – Alerts when Gemini detects and blocks potential attacks.
While these are strong steps forward, the threat isn’t entirely solved yet, and businesses shouldn’t rely solely on vendor protections.
What Businesses Should Do Now
If your team uses Google Gemini (or any AI tools) here’s how to stay safer:
- Don’t trust AI summaries blindly. Remind staff that Gemini’s summaries should never replace official security notices from your team.
- Train your team. Teach staff to verify suspicious warnings directly with your internal security team before taking action.
- Review your email security. Work with cybersecurity partners to ensure your systems can detect unusual patterns, even those that avoid traditional phishing signs.
- Stay proactive. Schedule vulnerability assessments, including testing how your business tools might be exploited in new ways.
- Maintain layered defenses. Strong security requires more than depending on vendors’ built-in protections.
How Constructure Technologies Can Help
At Constructure Technologies, we help businesses keep ahead of evolving threats like AI-driven phishing.
Our cybersecurity services include:
- Network and email security solutions
- 24×7 monitoring for suspicious activity
- Penetration testing to uncover hidden vulnerabilities
- Security assessments tailored to your business environment
- Support for compliance frameworks and risk management
Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, our team is here to protect your data, your systems, and your reputation.
Cyberattackers don’t stand still, and neither should your defenses.
Want to see how your business security measures up? Explore our cybersecurity services and find out how Constructure Technologies can help you stay secure in a fast-changing digital world.