Easy Methods to Secure Your Gmail Account

Published on: July 03rd, 2019

If you’re one of the 1.2 billion monthly active users of Gmail, your online life is probably heavily tied to Google. For many, the account is a primary email address or used with Google Drive for work, so it’s worth making sure that your account is as secure as it can be. Utilize these options to secure your Gmail account.

New security threats emerge every day, and Google updates their defense options often to help you protect your data. Continue reading to learn how to defend your Gmail account.

1. Add Ways to Verify it’s You

   One of the best ways to protect your Gmail account is to utilize 2-Step Verification, and yet, less than 10% of users enable it. 2-Step Verification means that for someone else to get into your account, they not only need to have your Gmail password, but also access to your unlocked phone, or similar. It only takes a minute or two to set up, and Google will walk you through the process.

   It works by adding an extra layer of security onto your account, so when you sign in from an unfamiliar device, you’ll be prompted to enter a one-time use code. Google can send the code via a text message, give you a phone call, or utilize other verification options. After signing in, you can choose whether or not to remember that particular device. Turning off 2-Step Verification allows Google to recognize the device so that you’re only asked for your password the next time you sign in.

2. Run a Security Checkup

   There are also steps you can take to make sure that your account hasn’t already been compromised. First, navigate to the security sidebar of your Gmail account. You’ll see several different sections to check, each one devoted to a different aspect of your account.

   The top portion of the page will alert you to any potential weaknesses in your account security. Clicking’ secure account’ takes you to a menu that highlights common issues. Here, you can add or update account recovery options. Once you enter a phone number and recovery email, Google can alert you if there’s suspicious activity on your account, and allow you to recover your account if you’re ever locked out.

   Google also lists new sign-ins, password changes, and added recovery options, as well as devices that have been active in the last 28 days. If you see anything you don’t recognize, Google will prompt you to change your password and sign you out of all devices except the one you’re using.

3. Monitor What Sites and Apps Have Access to Your Account

   Finally, you can view and manage what platforms and pages have access to your account at the bottom of the security page. When you log in on another site using your Google account, it can request basic information, such as your name, email address, and profile picture. Other websites and apps can see and change almost any information in your Google account. In this section, you can see what platforms have access to your account, and remove any that you no longer use or trust.