It looks legit. It feels familiar. But it’s not.
That’s the danger behind one of the fastest-growing threats in cybersecurity today: phishing campaigns disguised as Google Forms. Whether you’re a school district, construction firm, or small business, if your team is used to clicking on Google surveys or forms, you're now a prime target. Let’s dive into what’s happening, how it works, and most importantly what you and your team can do to stop it.
Google Forms: A Tool for Good… Until It’s Not
Google Forms has been a go-to for businesses, schools, and organizations of all sizes since 2008. Need to collect feedback, schedule appointments, or run a poll? There’s a Google Form for that. But now Why do attackers love Google Forms?
- It’s free
- It’s trusted
- It bypasses most email filters
- And it looks totally normal to the average user, cybercriminals have discovered a clever way to flip this tool into a trap.
In fact, Google Forms now dominates nearly half of the form-building market. That makes it both useful and dangerous.
The "School Survey" That Stole Login Credentials
Last year, attackers targeted a public school district using a phishing email disguised as a routine staff satisfaction survey. The email looked like it came from the district’s HR department, complete with logos and official language.
Inside? A Google Form asking for your “staff login to proceed.”
Hundreds of teachers and staff members clicked. Many filled out the form. What they didn’t know is that they had just handed over their school credentials to cybercriminals. Shortly after, the attackers accessed internal systems, stole payroll data, and locked administrators out of their accounts, all because of a fake survey.
What’s the Scam? It’s Not Just Forms… It’s What’s Behind Them
Here’s how scammers are using Google Forms and similar tools:
- Phishing Forms: Mimic legitimate requests from banks, schools, or social platforms to collect login credentials or credit card info.
- Callback Phishing: A form urges the user to call a phone number where a “support rep” convinces them to install remote software.
- Malware Links: Forms are just a front. They hide links to malicious websites or files.
- Quiz Exploits: Using quiz features to sneak in phishing links or fake “survey prizes.”
How Can You Stay Safe?
Here’s how to protect your team and company from falling into one of these traps:
- Armor Up With Security Software
Use multi-layered security tools across every computer, phone, and tablet. Modern cybersecurity software can detect suspicious patterns, even if a Google Form looks harmless. It’ll also block malware downloads if someone clicks a malicious link.
- Treat Every Unsolicited Form Like a Stranger at the Door
If you didn’t expect it, don’t click it. Whether it’s a survey, link, or urgent message with a phone number to call pause. Verify with the sender directly (not using any contact info in the message). Hover over links to see where they really lead.
- Lock Down Your Logins
Unique passwords are a must. Use a password manager and make sure multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled. Even if hackers get your password, MFA stops them cold. (Authenticator apps or physical security keys are best.)
- Read the Warning — Google Literally Tells You
Google Forms includes a line at the bottom that says: “Never submit passwords through Google Forms.” If you see a form asking for your login… that’s your red flag.
Cybersecurity Is a Team Sport
These threats don’t just affect IT departments, they affect your whole company. That’s why we recommend you share this article with your entire team. Just one click on a fake form could lead to stolen financial data, ransomware, or worse. Google Forms is still a great tool; when it’s real. But in today’s landscape, every click matters. Stay alert. Stay protected. And always think twice before clicking “Next.”
Contact Computer Dimensions today if you need help protecting your network from phishing threats like these.
