Essentail Settings for your Gmail Account to stay safe

Make sure your email is not getting forwarded or shared unless you want it to beCheck the “Mail settings” tab in Gmail for forwarding and delegation settings that grant others access to your account to make sure your email is being directed properly.

If you forget your password, you need a way to get back into your accountGoogle can send you an email at a recovery email address if you need to reset your password, so make sure that recovery email address is up-to-date and is an account you can access. You can also add a phone number to your Gmail profile to receive a code to reset your password via text message.

Having a mobile phone number on your account is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to help keep your account safe. For example, Google can use the phone number to challenge people if they try to break into your account, and send you a verification code so you can get into your account if you ever lose access.

Giving a recovery phone number to Google won’t result in you being signed up for marketing lists or getting more calls from telemarketers. Your mobile phone is a more secure identification method than your recovery email address or a security question because, unlike the other two, you have physical possession of your mobile phone.

Check for unusual access or activity in your account Regularly review your account for unfamiliar or suspicious activity. Click on the “details” link at the very bottom of the page to find the most recent IP addresses your mail was accessed from, and their associated locations. If you see suspicious account activity, immediately change your password and log out of your account. Find out more information about suspicious account activity, go here https://support.google.com/mail/answer/45938?hl=en

When you’re signing into Gmail, you should check to make sure the web address begins with https:// (and not just “http://”). This signals that your connection to the website is encrypted and more resistant to snooping or tampering. For more Gmail tips, take a look at the Gmail security checklist that can be found here https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7036019

General Tips to Secure Gmail Account

1. Use a strong and unique password: Create a password that is complex, consisting of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name or birthdate. It’s crucial to use a different password for your Gmail account than for other online services.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for your Gmail account to add an extra layer of security. With 2FA, you will need to provide a second verification factor, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password, when signing in to your account.
3. Regularly update your recovery options: Set up and maintain updated recovery options for your Gmail account, such as a secondary email address and a mobile phone number. These recovery options can help you regain access to your account in case you forget your password or get locked out.
4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be vigilant of phishing emails that attempt to trick you into revealing your Gmail login credentials. Be cautious when clicking on links in emails, especially those asking for your password or personal information. Verify the authenticity of emails and only enter your credentials on the official Gmail website.
5. Monitor account activity: Regularly review your Gmail account activity to identify any suspicious or unauthorized access. Gmail provides a feature called “Last account activity” that allows you to see the details of recent account usage, including the IP addresses and locations of the last few sign-ins.
6. Keep your devices and software up to date: Regularly update your computer, mobile devices, and web browsers to ensure you have the latest security patches. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
7. Use caution with third-party apps: Be cautious when granting permissions to third-party applications that request access to your Gmail account. Only authorize apps that are from trusted sources and that you genuinely need.
8. Educate yourself on email security best practices: Stay informed about email security best practices, such as recognizing and avoiding suspicious attachments or links, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when accessing your Gmail account, and encrypting sensitive emails when necessary.