Tech News

Google Data Breach Puts 2.5 Billion Gmail Users at Risk: What You Need to Know Now

If you’ve been ignoring those ‘change your password’ notifications, now might be the time to actually do it—Google just confirmed one of the biggest security incidents in its history.

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2025

Cosbom

Google dropped some seriously concerning news this weekend: a massive data breach that could put all 2.5 billion Gmail users at risk of sophisticated phishing attacks. And before you think “oh great, another data breach,” this one’s different—and potentially more dangerous than it first appeared.

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What Actually Happened

Back in June, a notorious hacking group called ShinyHunters managed to breach one of Google’s Salesforce databases through what’s becoming an increasingly common attack method: good old-fashioned social engineering.

Here’s how they pulled it off: hackers called a Google employee, pretended to be IT support, and convinced them to install malicious software that gave the attackers access to Google’s customer database. No fancy zero-day exploit, no sophisticated hacking tools—just a convincing phone call.

The scary part? It worked. And it took Google until August to fully understand what happened and start warning users.

The Real Danger: Super Convincing Phishing

While Google keeps emphasizing that “no passwords were stolen,” the reality is more complicated. The hackers made off with business contact information—names, email addresses, phone numbers, company names—that they’re now using to create frighteningly realistic phishing campaigns.

We’re not talking about those obvious “You’ve won the lottery!” emails anymore. These attacks are using real names, real company information, and are specifically designed to look like legitimate Google communications.

What users are reporting:

Phone calls from fake “Google support” asking for login codes
Emails that look exactly like real Google security alerts
Text messages claiming account compromise that lead to fake login pages

Google’s own threat team says that 37% of successful account takeovers now come from these voice-based phishing calls and sophisticated email scams.

Who’s Behind This: The ShinyHunters

This isn’t ShinyHunters’ first rodeo. The group (which apparently takes its name from Pokémon) has previously hit Microsoft, Ticketmaster, AT&T, and a bunch of other major companies. They’re not just stealing data for fun—they’re running what’s essentially a criminal business, selling stolen information on the dark web and demanding Bitcoin ransoms from companies.

Their MO is pretty simple: steal data, use it for phishing campaigns, then threaten to leak everything publicly if companies don’t pay up.

What Google Is Telling Users to Do

Google’s advice is actually pretty straightforward, even if it’s stuff you’ve probably been putting off:

Immediate Actions:

Change your Gmail password (yes, really, do it now)
Enable two-factor authentication if you haven’t already
Consider switching to passkeys (biometric logins that are much harder to hack)
Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from Google

Google is also pushing users toward their Advanced Protection Program, which adds extra security layers but can be a bit of a hassle for everyday use.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

What makes this breach particularly concerning is that it highlights how even the most security-conscious companies can be compromised through human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.

A few sobering facts:

This affected one of the world’s most used email services
The attack method (social engineering) is becoming more common
The stolen data is already being actively used against users
Similar attacks have hit other major tech companies throughout 2025

What You Should Actually Do Right Now

Look, I get it—security fatigue is real. We’re constantly being told to update passwords, enable 2FA, be careful of this, watch out for that. But this one’s worth taking seriously.

Priority actions:

Go change your Gmail password (it takes 2 minutes)
Turn on 2FA if you haven’t (Google will walk you through it)
Be extra skeptical of any “Google” communications for the next few weeks
Check your account security settings at myaccount.google.com

Red flags to watch for:

Unsolicited calls claiming to be from Google (Google doesn’t cold-call users)
Emails asking you to “verify” your account by clicking links
Messages creating urgency (“Your account will be suspended!”)

The Market Reaction (Spoiler: Not Much)

Interestingly, Google’s stock barely moved when this news broke. Alphabet shares closed Friday basically flat, suggesting investors either haven’t fully processed the implications or are betting this won’t have long-term consequences.

But for regular users? The impact could be much more significant if hackers successfully use the stolen data to compromise accounts.

Bottom Line

This isn’t the kind of breach where you need to panic and delete your Gmail account. But it is the kind where you should take Google’s security recommendations seriously and be extra cautious about suspicious communications over the next few months.

The hackers behind this are sophisticated, patient, and they’re using real information about you to make their attacks more convincing. The best defense? Good security hygiene and a healthy dose of skepticism about unsolicited messages.

Update your password. Enable 2FA. Be paranoid about phone calls. In that order.

Tech News

iPhone 17 Pricing Shock: India Faces Steepest Price Increases in Apple History

Apple just unveiled the iPhone 17 series with some of the steepest price increases ever seen in India—the iPhone 17 Pro Max now starts at a jaw-dropping ₹1,59,990, and even the ‘budget’ iPhone 17 Air costs ₹99,990. Here’s why Indian consumers are getting hit hardest by Apple’s new pricing strategy.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

The numbers are in from Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, and for Indian consumers, they’re genuinely shocking. What was once considered expensive is now entering luxury car territory, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max starting at ₹1,59,990—making it the most expensive iPhone ever launched in India.

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The Price Breakdown: Prepare Your Wallet

Here’s how Apple’s new pricing structure breaks down across the iPhone 17 lineup in India:

iPhone 17 Series India Pricing:

iPhone 17: ₹89,990 (up from ₹79,900 for iPhone 16)
iPhone 17 Air: ₹99,990 (replacing the Plus model)
iPhone 17 Pro: ₹1,29,900 (up from ₹1,19,900 for iPhone 16 Pro)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: ₹1,59,990 (up from ₹1,34,900 for iPhone 16 Pro Max)

That’s a ₹25,000 increase for the Pro Max model alone—enough to buy a decent mid-range Android phone.

Comparison of iPhone prices in India: 2007 iPhone 3G at ₹31,000 vs 2024 iPhone 16 at ₹79,900 with improved storage

The iPhone 17 Air: Premium Pricing for Compromised Features

Perhaps the most controversial pricing decision is the iPhone 17 Air at ₹99,990. This ultra-thin device, measuring just 5.5mm thick, replaces the iPhone 16 Plus but costs ₹10,000 more than its predecessor.

iPhone with ultra-thin design and single rear camera on a marble surface.

What you get for ₹99,990:

6.6-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
A19 chip (not the Pro version)
Single rear camera (48MP)
Ultra-thin design prioritizing aesthetics over functionality

What you lose:

Dual camera system
Longer battery life (due to thinness constraints)
Advanced Pro features like ProRAW photography

The pricing suggests Apple is betting Indian consumers will pay premium prices for design over functionality—a risky gamble in a price-sensitive market.

Currency Impact vs. Global Pricing Strategy

Apple’s Indian pricing has historically followed a simple formula: $1 = ₹100. But with the current exchange rate at around ₹87 to the dollar, Apple appears to be padding prices beyond currency fluctuations.

Global Pricing Comparison:

US: iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199
India: ₹1,59,990 (equivalent to $1,839 at current rates)
Effective markup: Nearly 53% over US pricing

This means Indian consumers are paying significantly more than their global counterparts, even accounting for taxes and import duties.

Comparison of iPhone 16 prices across multiple countries in respective currencies showing regional price differences.

The Make in India Paradox

Here’s what makes these price increases particularly frustrating: Apple is now manufacturing all four iPhone 17 models in India through facilities including Tata Group’s plant in Hosur and Foxconn’s Bengaluru unit.

Despite local production—which should theoretically reduce costs—Apple has chosen to increase prices across the board. This suggests the company is prioritizing profit margins over the cost benefits of local manufacturing.

What ₹1.6 Lakh Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s ₹1,59,990 starting price, you get:

6.9-inch display with ProMotion
A19 Pro chip with improved graphics
Triple 48MP camera system with 8K video recording
Enhanced thermal management
Wi-Fi 7 support
256GB base storage (finally)

But here’s the reality check: That same ₹1.6 lakh could buy:

A flagship Android phone + a premium laptop
A decent motorcycle
2-3 years of iPhone 16 Pro usage at current depreciation rates
A significant down payment on a car

The Festive Season Gamble

Apple’s timing is strategic but risky. Launching these prices just before India’s festive season—traditionally the biggest sales period—suggests confidence that Indian consumers will absorb the shock.

Pre-order and availability:

Pre-orders: September 12
General availability: September 19
Festive season discounts: Unlikely for at least 3-6 months

The Competition Advantage

These price increases hand significant advantages to competitors:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (expected around ₹1,20,000):

Similar flagship features at ₹40,000 less
More storage options
Better zoom capabilities

OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other flagship killers now have a massive pricing umbrella to operate under, potentially offering 80% of iPhone features at 50% of the cost.

Why Apple Thinks It Can Get Away With This

Despite the sticker shock, Apple’s pricing strategy isn’t entirely irrational:

Brand loyalty: iPhone users tend to stick with the ecosystem
EMI culture: Many buyers focus on monthly payments rather than total cost
Status symbol: iPhones remain aspirational products in India
Trade-in programs: Older iPhone values help offset upgrade costs

The Real Winners and Losers

Winners:

Apple shareholders (obviously)
Android flagship manufacturers getting pricing umbrella
Older iPhone models getting extended life cycles

Losers:

Indian consumers facing 15-25% price increases
First-time iPhone buyers priced out of the ecosystem
Small retailers unable to move premium inventory

What This Means for the Market

Apple’s aggressive pricing could backfire in a market where smartphone penetration is still growing and price sensitivity remains high. While the company has successfully positioned iPhones as luxury products, there’s a limit to how much the market will bear.

The success of these prices will largely determine whether other premium brands follow suit or use this as an opportunity to gain market share with more reasonable pricing.

Bottom Line: Apple is betting that Indian consumers’ desire for iPhones is price-inelastic. The next few quarters will reveal whether they’re right—or whether they’ve finally priced themselves out of significant market growth.

Will you be upgrading to the iPhone 17 series at these prices, or are these increases finally pushing you toward alternatives? Let us know in the comments.

Tech News

Live Coverage: Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event (September 9, 2025)

We’re here with the latest on iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

As the world tunes in tonight, here’s Cosbom’s live blog starting at 10:30 PM IST with play-by-play announcements, pricing details, and instant analysis of every major reveal.

10:30 PM — Keynote Kickoff
Tim Cook welcomes the world with “Awe Dropping” title graphics. Live stream quality is crisp, and social feeds are already buzzing.

10:35 PM — AirPods Pro 3

H3 chip, improved ANC, live translation, heart-rate monitoring, improved battery life.

Pricing: $249.

10:40 PM — Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3

Series 11 adds blood-pressure monitoring, brighter display.
Ultra 3 gains satellite texting, advanced health sensors.
Pricing: Series 11 starts at ₹39,990; Ultra 3 at ₹79,900 (India).

10:58 PM — iPhone 17

Dual-lens camera, A19 chip, 6.1″ display.
Price in India: ₹89,990.

11:10 PM — iPhone 17 Air

Ultra-thin 5.5 mm chassis in five colors.
6.6″ 120 Hz display, A19 chip, single 48 MP rear camera.
Price in India: ₹99,990.

11:25 PM — iPhone 17 Pro

Triple-48 MP camera, “horizontal bar” design, 256 GB base.
ProMotion 120 Hz, A19 Pro chip.
Price in India: ₹1,29,900.

11:35 PM — iPhone 17 Pro Max

6.9″ display, advanced thermal system, Wi-Fi 7 support.
256 GB base storage.
Price in India: ₹1,59,990.

11:45 PM — HomePod & Services

HomePod 2 gets spatial audio.
Apple One bundle adds Fitness+ AI-powered workouts.

11:50 PM — Pre-orders & Availability

Pre-orders begin Sept 12 at 5 AM PT (6:30 PM IST).
In-store launch: Sept 19.
iOS/iPadOS/macOS updates roll out Sept 16.

11:50 PM — Closing Remarks
Tim Cook thanks developers and customers. Stream ends with “See you next year” teaser and product montage.

Key Takeaways:

Indian pricing jumps: Air at ₹99,990; Pro Max at ₹1,59,990.
Software rollout (iOS 26, macOS 26) synced with hardware release.
Apple doubles down on health features across wearables.

Stay tuned for in-depth hands-on reviews, detailed feature analyses, and comparison guides coming soon!

This page is being updated live, please reload the page if you don’t see the latest updates. You can also head on to our Live Streams section at live.cosbom.com

Tech News

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event: iPhone 17 Air and Everything to Expect This Tuesday

Apple’s biggest product launch in years is just 48 hours away, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the most radical iPhone redesign since the iPhone X. Here’s everything we know about Tuesday’s event.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2025

Cosbom

Apple’s highly anticipated fall event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST), promising what could be the company’s biggest product refresh in years.

Concept render of iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air showing their rear designs and camera setups

The iPhone 17 Lineup:

iPhone 17 Air: Ultra-thin at just 5.5mm thick, 6.6-inch 120Hz display, A19 chip
iPhone 17 Pro: Starting at $1,099 (up $100), 256GB base storage
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Redesigned camera system
Standard iPhone 17: Expected pricing and specs

Major Software Updates:
Apple will announce the official release dates for its 2025 software lineup, all numbered with “26” to represent the September 2025-2026 season:
iOS 26: Features the new “Liquid Glass” user interface, redesigned Camera app, enhanced ChatGPT integration, improved Apple Intelligence capabilities
iPadOS 26: Introduces a completely new windowing system, Preview app for iPad, enhanced Files app with folder customization, Background Tasks for intensive operations
macOS Tahoe 26: New features and improvements for Mac users
watchOS 26: Updated features for Apple Watch
visionOS 26: Updates for Vision Pro headset
The iOS 26 public release is expected around September 15-16, with release candidates available immediately after the September 9 event.