Despite the rise of social networks , email is still the way many of us communicate, according to Mike Rothman, analyst and president of Phoenix-based security research firm Securosis.
The problem is that email is also the communication channel that's most often left unprotected and, as such, vulnerable to attack. Here are 7 ways to protect your Gmail Account
1. Keep Your Account Recovery Options Up to
Date
Mobile telephone number:
If you forget your password, or if there is unusual activity on your account,
Google can send you a security code via SMS for you to prove you are who you
say you are. If someone has your account password it's quite unlikely they've also
got your mobile phone. Google will only use your number for security purposes.
Important: Keep this up to date! This won't be of much use if Google sends
security codes to a phone number you no longer use.
Recovery email address:
Similar to the mobile phone number, this is a different email address where
Google will send security codes and other important security messages, like
when you've forgotten your username and/or your password. If you don't have a second
email address, you can always use the email address of someone you trust (like
a spouse).
Alternative email
address: This is different from the recovery email address in that this is a
second address that you can use to sign in to your Google account. It also
cannot be a Gmail account or an address that's associated with a different
Google account.
2. Use Two-Step Verification
This may be the single
best way to protect your account. When you log in from an untrusted device,
you'll be prompted not only for your password but also for a six-digit code
sent to you that's unique for your device. Even if someone has your password,
if they don't have access to your secondary device where your code is sent,
then they can't complete the login.
In case of emergency (if
you've lost your phone or its battery dies), you can also generate a list of
ten one-use codes that you can print out and keep in a safe place to use when
accessing Gmail from a previously untrusted device. Notice, that "two-step
verification" is not necessarily the same as "two-factor
authentication," which can be even tougher to crack.
3. Use a Strong, Unique
Password
There are lots of places
to get advice on how to create a strong password online, so I won't belabor it
again here. Just as important, however, is to never use the password for your
Google account anywhere else. Every month it seems there's news of a site that
has had user credentials stolen. While you may not care about the data that was
on that site, since so many people re-use passwords that's where the value lies
for the bad guys.
Think about it: If you
forget the password to your bank account, where does the reset password link
get sent? Your email address. The password for your email should be the
strongest of all.
4. Set Gmail to Always
Use HTTPS (SSL)
Unless there is a
technical reason not to, you should have Gmail set to always use a secure
connection (HTTPS). This setting is found under Settings > General >
Browser Connection.
5. When Using a
Shared/Public Computer...
Use "private"
or "incognito" mode in the browser: These modes (available in most
modern browsers) prevent the storage of web history, form data, or cookies. If
you can't use this mode, be sure to clear history and cookies after you log out.
Log out from your
account when you're done: This should go without saying, but people forget.
6. Don't Fall for
Phishing Attempts
No site should be asking
you for your Google Account password except Google. Don't enter your password
on any page you reach after following a link, even from someone you trust. Go
straight to https://www.gmail.com or https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin instead.
7. Keep Your System
Secure and Up-to-Date
Keep up with OS and
browser updates. Make sure you use a trustworthy malware/virus scanner and keep
it up to date as well.
Written by thecodewhiz
Thecodewhiz is a tech savvy internet enthusiast,Designer,ICT Support Specialist, amatuer Dj and Photographer who loves sharing information.Find Technology tips and tricks and more here...
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