CollinsInstead of assuming that hackers could not locate you or your Gmail account, why not take few minutes right now to encrypt your Gmail account.
Below are the 4 steps to secure your Gmail account
Use a strong password.
I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of reusing simple passwords at some point; I know I was. However, reusing codes through several sites and services invites hackers to your accounts. All it takes is a single leak or compromise at one service for hackers to attempt to sign in to all of your accounts.
It’s past time to up the login game. For each online account, use a different, randomly created password. Using a password manager makes it easy to keep track of all such codes. If you need support choosing the password manager to use, we have a roundup of the best password managers accessible, both free and charged.
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To update your Google account password, go to the Google account protection page and choose Password from the Sign in to Google list. If prompted, verify your password, then enter your new password (generated by your password manager) and press Change password.
Switch on two-step authentication.
Hackers only need your password to unlock your whole Google account, like YouTube, Gmail, and Google Pay, if you don’t use two-step verification, also known as two-factor authentication. Know that if you use the same password with different sites, they might obtain it via a data breach or a phishing scam.
Hackers will require your password and a randomly created six-digit passcode, or physical access to your computer, to obtain access to your account with two-step security, often known as two-factor authentication.
To allow 2SV, go to your Google account protection page and choose 2-Step Verification.
Continue to follow the instructions before you enter the segment seen in the screenshot above. Once there, choose whether to receive push notifications in the Gmail app to allow authentication requests (the usual option) or to use random passcodes. Using warnings in the Gmail software is simpler, but you must have your phone close at all times. To accept the warning, you’ll also need a link. So, if you’re in an area where there are no bars, such as on a plane, you’ll need to be wired to Wi-Fi.
If you choose to use a passcode, you can get it by text message or enter it into a password manager. I maintain my 2SV codes with a password manager so that I can access them from either smartphone, regardless of whether my computer has a data link.
Select Do it now if you want to use warnings. You should get a warning on the phone mentioned on the screen. To finish the configuration, simply follow the rest of the prompts.
However, if you choose to use passcodes, choose Choose another alternative and then Text message or voice call.
Enter your phone number, followed by the code, to allow two-step verification. 2SV will be enabled after entering the code and pressing a couple more keys.
But wait, you’re not there yet. While using 2SV through texted passcodes is safer than not using 2SV at all, I suggest using push notifications wherever possible. SIM-swap abuse is on the rise, enabling hackers to take over your phone number and collect 2SV codes intended for you.
If you must focus on passcodes, spend a few minutes configuring an Authenticator program for your Google account. You may use a Google Authenticator or a password manager. Under the Authenticator software line, click Set Up, and then pick the model of phone you need. Scanning the QR code with your favourite software, then entering the passcode provided by your app to ensure everything is set up properly, and you’re finished.
Examine the backup contact options.
You could have updated your phone number or deleted an old email address when you first set up your Gmail account. As a result, double-check the backup communication strategies. If you are shut out of your account, Google can use this to check that you are the account owner.
Look for the segment-headed Ways we can check it’s you on this list.
Update the details in each segment (Recovery phone, Recovery email, and Security question) by clicking on them.
Again, if this detail is out of date and you are shut out of your account, Google would be unable to check your ownership.
Examine the account activities
It’s likely that a hacker (or an ex) is gaining unauthorized access to your account. Sign in to your Gmail account and skip to the bottom of the article to find out. There would be a line that reads “Last account operation…”
Tap Details at the end of the line to see what, how, and where your account is being used. If you suspect some unethical behaviour, press the button called Sign out of all such Gmail web sessions and update your password instantly.
Once you’ve protected your Gmail account, take a few moments to secure your Amazon account. Then, when you’re at it, do the same with your Facebook and Apple accounts.
Collins