The 5 simple and easy steps to secure your Gmail account
The simple steps to follow to secure your Gmail account is as follow
Step 1: Do a Security Checkup
Click on the Security Checkup to get customized security recommendations for your Google Account, including:
Add account recovery options:
Adding or updating recovery options is one of the most underrated security tools. Most Gmail account users don’t know to what extent adding recovery options to their account can be.
So adding your contact info like email address and recovery phone number are strong security tools to keep your account secured. These tools can also help you to:
- Restrict someone from using your account without your permission
- Alert you if there’s suspicious activity on your account
- Recover your account if you’re ever locked out by Google
You can learn how to add or change your recovery phone number or email address.
2-Step Verification helps to prevent a hacker from having unrestricted access to your account, even if they know your password. To avoid common phishing techniques related to text message codes, Use a stronger second verification step:
- Security keys (Most secure verification step)
- Google Prompts (More secure than text message codes)
Increased security: Advanced Protection
If you’re a journalist, activist, or someone else at risk of targeted online attacks, think about enrolling in the Advanced Protection Program for a higher level/stage of security. Advanced Protection uses security keys to protect against phreaking/phishing and includes other protections like blocking insecure apps.
Remove risky access to your data
You should think about removing account access for any unusual apps to better protect sensitive information.
- Manage apps with access to your account and learn more about the risks.
- Turn off access for apps that use none or less secure sign-in technology.
Turn on screen locks
Don’t always forget to lock your screen. This will help your devices from being access without your permission. Learn how to set screen locks on an Android device.
Step 2: Software Update
If your browser, operating system, or apps are out-of-date, the software might not be safe from hackers. Keep your software updated to help protect your account.
Update your browser
Be certain that you’re using the latest version of your browser.
You can learn how to update Google Chrome.
Note: For info on updating other browsers, visit the developer’s support site.
Update your operating system
Make sure your device or computer operating system is up-to-date.
Update Android devices
Learn more about how to check and update your Android version.
Update Chromebooks
Learn more about how to update your Chromebook’s operating system.
Note: For info on updating other devices and computers, visit the manufacturer’s support site.
Update your apps
Apps update must not also be left out. Be certain that all your apps are latest or recent versions.
Update Android apps
Learn how to update your Android apps on Android devices and compatible Chromebooks.
Think about turning on automatic app updates for your Android devices to help make sure you’re always using the latest version.
Note: For info on updating apps on other devices and computers, visit the manufacturer’s support site.
Turn on Google Play Protect
For Android users, Google Play keeps and helps Android devices safe from harmful apps. Learn how to turn on Google Play Protect.
Step 3: Use uncommon, strong passwords
Password repetition on multiple sites can make your account to be vulnerable. If your password for one site is compromised, it could be used to get into your accounts for multiple sites.
Create a strong, unique password for each account.
Manage your passwords
The use of a password manager can help you generate and manage strong, unique passwords. Consider using one from Chrome or another trusted password manager provider.
You can use Password Checkup to make sure your password is strong and safe.
Help protect your password from hackers
To get notified if you enter your Google Account password on a non-Google site, turn on Password Alert for Chrome. That way, you’ll know if a site is impersonating Google, and you can change your password if it gets stolen.
Note: Don’t forget to Turn on 2-Step Verification for an extra layer of account security.
Step 4: Remove apps & browser extensions you don’t need
Plenty/too many apps installed on devices can become more vulnerable. Install only useful apps and browser extensions on devices that have access to sensitive information. Avoid installing unknown apps to secure your device and personal info.
Learn how to:
Note: For info on removing apps and extensions from other devices and browsers, visit the applicable support site.
Step 5: Protect against malicious messages & content
Hackers can use emails, text messages, phone calls, and web pages to disguise themselves to be institutions, family members, or colleagues.
Avoid suspicious requests
- Never release your passwords. Google will never ask for your password in an email, message, or phone call.
- Don’t reply to suspicious emails, texts, instant messages, webpages, or phone calls that ask for your personal or financial info.
- Ignore links in emails, messages, webpages, or pop-ups from untrustworthy websites or senders.
Avoid suspicious emails
Gmail is designed to help protect your account by automatically identifying suspicious emails. You can also use the below tips to help you identify suspicious emails and settings:
- Check if a Gmail message might be fake.
- See if the email address and the sender name match.
- If you get a suspicious email in Gmail, report spam or phishing to stop similar emails in the future.
- Check your Gmail settings to make sure there’s no unrelated activity.
Avoid suspicious web pages