When you're online, you shouldn't have to worry about the security of your information. That's why Google works to build security into its products, so the information in your Google Account is automatically protected. This note shares best practices and security tools to help make the Internet safer for everyone.
Still, there are some simple things you can do to make your information even more secure. Recent data from a U.S. survey conducted by Harris Poll for Google confirms that many people may not be familiar with these basic concepts.
Set up a recovery phone number or e-mail address and keep it updated.
Most people surveyed said they have a secondary email address (87 percent) or mobile device (73 percent) set up for account recovery and security, and that's great.
For many web services, including your Google Account, having a recovery method can alert you if there is suspicious activity on your account or if you need to stop someone from using your account without permission. And, of course, adding recovery information to your account can help you get back in faster if you ever lose access or can't log in.
To set up recovery information, visit the Security section of your Google Account and scroll down to "Ways we can verify that it is you".
2. Use unique passwords for your accounts.
Sixty-five percent of respondents said they reuse the same password for multiple accounts, which can increase their security risk. It's like using the same key to lock your home, car and office: if someone gains access to one, they could all be compromised.
Create a unique password for each account to eliminate this risk. Make sure each password is difficult to guess and, better yet, at least eight characters long. It can be difficult to keep track of many different passwords: 60 percent of people report having too many passwords to remember. To help, consider using a password manager (like the one built into your Chrome browser ) to help you create, protect and keep track of all your passwords. If that's too difficult, you can even write your passwords down on a piece of paper (but keep them in a safe place!), since hijackers are more likely to be online, rather than physically near you.
Keep your software up to date.
To help protect your online activity, make sure you are always running the latest version of software on all your devices. Harris survey results show that while 79 percent of respondents said they understood the importance of updating their software, one-third of people said they still don't update their applications regularly, or are unsure whether or not they do.
If you are using the following operating systems, here you can see how to learn and update the software on your devices:
Some programs, such as Chrome, will update automatically, so you never have to worry about doing it yourself. For other services that send notifications when it's time to update, don't click "remind me later"; take the time to install the update right away.
4. Go one step further by configuring two-factor authentication.
Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as Two-Step Verification, significantly reduces the chance of someone gaining unauthorized access to your account. For most people, Google's automatic, risk-based sign-in protections are more than enough, but everyone should know that 2FA is an additional option. However, one in three respondents (31 percent) said they don't use 2FA, or don't know if they are using it or not.
2FA requires a second step to be taken each time you log in to your account in addition to your username and password. The following are some verification steps: an SMS text message, a six-digit code generated by an app, a message you receive on a trusted device, or the use of a physical security key.
Set up two-factor authentication for your Google account by visiting g.co/2sv and clicking "Get Started".
5. Take the Google security check.
The security check provides you with personalized, actionable security recommendations to help you strengthen the security of your Google Account, and takes only two minutes to complete.
Taking the Security Checkup not only helps keep you safer while using Google. The Checkup also includes personalized tips to keep you safer on the web, such as helping you set up a screen lock on your cell phone and recommending that you remove third-party sites and apps that have access to your account.
Find more online security tips like these by visiting your Google Account Security Center; you can also visit the Security section to find all the settings and tools mentioned in this post. You can learn more from the Online Security Survey in this infographic.
Source: Five things you can do right now to stay safer online
