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Your Google account holds the keys to your professional and personal life. We think nothing of using it for storing and sending documents and photos and these days we often use it to sign-up access to just about everything.
Without keeping it secure it is more than just our emails we stand to lose. A Google account is like a gateway to hackers looking to get their hands on your details.
Following Google’s recent warning to its 2.5 Billion Users regarding AI-assisted hacking, we all need to be a little more cautious.
So, let’s explore the best ways to go about safeguarding it and preventing unauthorized access.
Strengthening Access With 2FA
The best defensive measures are preventative ones, so our first tip is to strengthen your access by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).
That way, if your password is involved in a data breach or otherwise compromised, no one can access it without the secondary form of identity authentication.
How To Set It Up
Setting up 2FA is simple; Google offers multiple methods to choose from, catering to various users. You can use text message authentication keys, secondary apps that load on a different device, and other security keys.
We recommend installing a dedicated authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Authy, which is the most secure option.
You will find setup instructions in your Google Account’s Security settings under “2-Step Verification”.
Maximizing Protection With Security Keys
Physical security keys offer far higher levels of security; if you deal with sensitive data, it might be worth considering.
Google Titan and YubiKey are great choices and provide a phishing-resistant authentication method, ideal for those who have to comply with strict data protection protocols.
Strong, Unique Password Advice
The most common way a hacker accesses an account is by cracking a weak password.
We all know a strong password is key, but we often think we won’t be targeted and fail to set one correctly.
Password Creation Tips
Never use personal information or anything easy to guess. Keep things complex using an unexpected mixture of characters, letters, and numbers, and use both cases for added strength.
Consider a Password Manager
To take the hassle out of creation, you can use a password manager to generate strong passwords and store them on your behalf. That way you guarantee no password gets used twice.
Google has a couple of built-in options that can help maintain security: LastPass and 1Password.
Reviewing Account Activity and Checking Devices
In addition to preventative measures, you need to take proactive ones, such as regularly reviewing your Google account’s activity to spot anything suspicious before it’s too late.
Recent Account Activity
You can review your recent activity via your Google Account Security page. Make sure nothing looks unfamiliar check to see where the login location is from and beware of any discrepancies.
Connected Device Management
In the “Devices” section of your Google Account settings, you will see a list of all devices that have accessed your account. Be sure to remove any devices that you no longer use as well as anything unrecognized.
Keep Your Recovery Information Secure
If you lose account access, you need a security recovery option, so make sure the information Google has for you is up to date.
Updating Recovery Details
You can verify your recovery phone numbers and emails are those that you use currently by heading to your Google Account Security settings.
Leverage Backup Codes
As a plan B should your 2FA fail, remember Google provides backup codes that can help you regain access when needed.
Staying Away From Phishing & Scams
Google accounts also get compromised through deceptive Phishing emails and scams run by hackers. By learning to recognize when the wool is being pulled over your eyes you can avoid falling for them.
Phishing Email Advice
It can be tricky to spot a sophisticated phishing email because they can often appear like they have been sent by legitimate companies. This underlines the importance of verifying the sender.
Often they may have a typo and typically they appear urgent to prompt you to follow a link immediately and take action.
However, if it appears to be from your bank and important it is best to access your bank separately.
How to Avoid Fake Google Login Pages
Always remember to check the URL in the address bar of any site where you are going to enter your Google login details.
Make sure it has a padlock symbol and starts with “https://accounts.google.com” before you enter a password.
Securing Devices & Apps
Account security is also dependent on device security, including the software used, such as apps.
Updating Is Paramount
Your operating system, browser, and apps must stay up to date to ensure you have the current security patches protecting you. To stay on top of things, it is advisable to enable automatic updates.
Secure Your Connections
If the network you are using is unsecured, then it is pretty easy for a hacker to compromise your information source, but a VPN can help keep things encrypted.
Limit Third-Party App Permissions
Granting access to your Google account from a third-party app is a big risk, so check, limit, and remove permissions.
App Permission Management
You can review and revoke permissions in your Google Security Settings by going through the list of apps with account access.
Try OAuth
Using OAuth authentication instead of sharing your Google Account password with third-party apps is a far more secure option.
Conclusion
There are preventative and proactive steps you can take to help keep your Google account secure.
With strong passwords and two-factor authentication, you have a good foundation, but ultimately, you need to stay educated and vigilant to stay ahead of suspicious activity and avoid scams.
With the advice we have outlined, you should be able to reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to your data and keep your digital life safe from cyberthreats.
