Gmail Hacking: How to Secure Gmail Accounts From Hackers
Summary: This 2-3 minute blog examines how Gmail hacking targets your Google accounts and what you can do to stop them. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss their cyber security services and how they can secure your email and develop your home or SMB’s overall cyber security plan.
Many people and businesses around the world have a substantial online presence. Unfortunately, in the realm of cyber security, the bigger the online presence, the bigger the target for cybercriminals to exploit. Therefore, the fact that Google has almost 2 billion Gmail users makes Gmail a gigantic target landscape for hackers.
Securing Your Gmail Account
There is a fundamental Gmail security protocol available to all Gmail users: strong login passwords and two-step verification Gmail protection:
- Creating Strong Passwords – The time of using your pet’s name or your anniversary date as passwords is long gone. Creating strong passwords is the first line of defense against cybercrime. A strong password should contain multiple characters, including numbers, letters (upper and lower case) and special characters. Nothing about the password should relate to anything in your life. Also, using the same password for multiple website logins is no longer a good idea. The problem with using a password repeatedly is that if a hacker gets into one of your accounts, they will be able to access all the other online accounts sharing that password. The more website logins are compromised, the greater the risk of a major breach of your private data. Generally, the more characters a password contains, the more difficult it is to hack. Using fewer actual words and more assorted random characters also makes it more difficult for you to be attacked.
- Using Two-Step Verification – Robust cyber security contains many layers. Using two-step verification, you add the next layer of protection beyond creating strong passwords. With this very small extrat step, the user dramatically decreases the chance of unauthorized access to your accounts or breaches of your system. Ironically, Google reports that less than 10% of Gmail account users avail themselves of two-step verification.
- With Gmail, the two-step verification is simple and probably takes less than 30 seconds to employ:
- When logging in to a Gmail account, you are asked to send a code to a cell phone number. You enter the code and you’re logged in. That’s it.
- With Gmail, the two-step verification is simple and probably takes less than 30 seconds to employ:
Google Account Security Check
Google provides a free and easy-to-use security screening test called a Google Security Checkup. A Google Security Checkup is a good way to check and protect your account from outside targeted attacks. In addition, the checkup will advise you of all third-party access to your data and allow you to identify any unauthorized access and remove any programs with extensive access to your private data. Finally, by following the Google prompts, you can secure your account.
Google’s Confidential Mode
By selecting to run in Confidential Mode, Google allows automatic encryption of emails and a setting to autodelete certain emails on an expiration date that the user selects.
Save PDF Backups of Your Email
A cyberattack is still possible even when taking extra steps to secure your emails. By saving important emails to PDF, in the event of an attack, you will still be able to retrieve the critical contents of those emails.
Cyber Security Services for Your Home or SMB
Unfortunately, many users do not avail themselves of the cyber security tools available. Whether you work from home or in an office, you might not be aware of all the new threats to your emails, computer, network and all your devices without the assistance of a professional IT Consulting Service. IT professionals can assess all your specific needs and all aspects of your computer systems and networks, recommend solutions and keep your system running smoothly from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect your private data and get the most out of computers, networks, mobile devices and all your online activities freeing up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.
GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions, from “How can I protect my email accounts?” to “When do I need to upgrade my computer hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer and other devices go down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. Instead, they are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. So, in addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing, including learning how to access the most helpful features your connected devices can offer.
Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss all the ways they can maintain and secure all aspects of your home or SMB computer system.