Are you a Google account holder? Here is how to stay safe from hackers

Almost everyone you know has a Google account and probably, you too have one. However, almost on a daily basis, you must have asked yourself this question - how to keep your Google account safe from hackers? This especially happens when some new cyberattack is reported on popular websites - the latest being LinkedIn, where 700 mn accounts have reportedly been hacked. Such reports are there on daily basis. So, what to do? How can you keep your Google account safe?

Need for security

You must be using your Google account for different purposes. It’s easy to use your Google account to log in to different apps and services. Your Google account also contains your important data including sensitive information, photos, videos and files. Notably, Google already offers security to your account but there are some additional tools available that add an extra layer of security, but you must take action on them.

Google account: Security Checkup

To keep your Google account safe, you must regularly check the security of your account with the ‘Security Checkup’ tool. This can be done from your phone, tablet or computer. It’s a step-by-step guide that gives you personalised and actionable recommendations that can help strengthen your Google account.

Google account: Password protection

Choosing a strong password is important for your Google account. You can choose a strong password yourself or use the one suggested by Google. You can also save your passwords to your Google account to easily access them. If you want to check the strength and security of your saved passwords, you can take a quick Password Checkup. Google also warns you if any of your passwords may have been compromised.

Google account: 2-step verification

Your Google account is protected with a password but that may not be enough. For a more secure login, you should enable 2-step verification to your Google account. Once you do this Google will always alert you when you’re trying to sign in to a new device. It will also ask you for permission to allow the login. Google also offers an advanced protection program for accounts that are at risk of targeted online attacks.

Google Account: Lost phone safeguards

If you lose your phone you can use your Google account to keep your data safe. This is possible through the ‘Find your phone’ option that lets you remotely locate and lock your phone. If your lost phone is still on and the internet connection is active you can see the location of the device, and that might help you track it down.

Google account: Secure connection

Using a secure connection is important for keeping your Google account secure. Google warns against using public networks even if they require a password. If you have to use one then Google will warn you in the address bar if your connection to a site is secure.

Google account: personal habits

Scamming and phishing is still very common, and hackers have come up with different ways to reach you through your Gmail. It’s important to be aware of emails that seem suspicious. It could be through text messages and calls as well. Make sure to double check the websites before clicking on them. You should also beware of emails that ask for your personal information. Scammers always find a way to reach you so it’s best to always double check if anything sounds suspicious.