GOOGLE is warning all users to look out for this important sign that could mean their account has been threatened.
Online scammers are always trying to steal sensitive information, so it’s important to be constantly on top of your account.
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Google has several pages informing users what to do if their account is threatened or compromised.
“At Google, we take online security seriously,” read a statement from the Help Center.
“To protect your Google Account, we strongly recommend following the steps below regularly.”
Google will alert users with a red, yellow, or able exclamation point to recommend when immediate action should be taken regarding their account.
A recommended action is a suggestion of steps users should take to secure their accounts.
The color of the exclamation point determines the severity of the action.
Blue is for security tips and isn’t seen as extremely urgent while yellow is for important steps.
However, red is the most urgent action that needs to be taken for the safety of the account.
Once the needed actions are taken, a green shield with a checkmark should show, meaning that the account is in good standing.
To check for these notifications you first have to be signed into your Google account.
At the top right of your screen, tap your profiled picture, which should reveal a drop-down menu.
Select recommended actions, which will take you the the Security Checkup page.
This is where you’ll receive information on the recommendations needed to improve your account safety.
If there are no recommended actions, then your account is in good standing, however, you can review the security level of your Google account.
To do this, you’ll click Manage Your Account and then Security.
If all the recommendations have been completed, the top of this page will show a green shield.
How to secure your Google account
Doing routine checks on your Google account is a great way to ensure its safety. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure your information is secure:
- Do a Security checkup – This involves adding or updating recovery options, turning on 2-step verification, or turning on screen locks
- Update your software – If your browser, operating system, or apps are outdated, the software data might not be safe from hackers
- Use strong, unique passwords – using the same password on several websites is a risky move. If one of these accounts is hacked, all your other accounts will be threatened.
- Remove apps & browser extensions you don’t need – The more apps that are on a device, the more vulnerable it can become. Only install the apps and browser extensions you need.
- Protect against suspicious messages and content – Hackers can use email, texts, phone calls, and websites pretending to be legitimate businesses, family members, or friends
Source: Google
If you find unfamiliar activity on your Google account, Gmail, or other Google products, there are ways to secure your account.
First sign in, however, if you can’t you’ll have to use the account recovery tips.
This happens when someone changes your account information such as your password or recovery phone number, someone deleted your account, or for another reason.
Next, you’ll have to review your account activity to find the suspicious action.
You can also review which devices use your account, allowing you to sign out of all devices.
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