10 to-dos to maintain your Gmail security high

Gmail has created a niche for itself in the email business. While Gmail security is top notch, it is up to us to make use of them. We take a look at the 10 to-dos to maintain your Gmail security “high” so that you use secure Gmail all the time.

1. Password Management:-

While Google has done a lot to enhance Gmail security, if you don’t ensure that the basics are right, this can spoil all the efforts in making your Gmail secure email. Avoid using common words or names as the password. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters to secure Gmail. Do not share your password with anybody and in case you have done so, change it immediately.  Avoid using the Gmail secure email password for any other logins.

2. Choose a unique security question and have a unique answer:-

This factor is often overlooked. To have secure Gmail, you will also have to set a unique security question the answer of which only you can provide. This would thwart any attempts by a known person from prying into your account. You can change the Security question and answer by accessing your Gmail, clicking on the gear-like icon > Settings > Accounts and Import > Change password recovery options, then click “Edit” on the Security question option and replace it with your new unique question and secret answer.

3. Use 2 Step Verification

To enhance Gmail security, Google has a feature called 2-step Verification, especially useful when you access secure Gmail from various devices and networks. it adds an extra layer of security by asking for a code that will be sent to your phone every time you request for account access, making it impossible to hack into your account without your phone.

4. Check your password recovery options

In the recovery options, check if your alternate e-mail address and password are set correctly by following these simple steps:-

1. Go to www.google.com/settings/security and sign in.
2. Click Update recovery options under “Password and recovery options.”
3. Add or edit your security options for “Mobile phone” and “Email.”

5. Fortify your account settings

To be sure that the mails in your Gmail are not going out anywhere without your knowledge, please Sign in to Gmail. Click the gear icon  in the upper right and then select Settings. Review the following:-

1. Check mail from other accounts (using POP3) – See if you recognize any addresses listed. If there are any unknown entries, click delete to remove unwanted accounts.
2. Grant access to your account – See if there are any email addresses listed. The owner of the account listed here can read and send mails on your behalf. Click delete to remove an account’s access.
3. Under Filter – check for any conditions that says “Forward to”. If unsure just delete it..
4. Under Filter – check for any condition that says “Delete it”. If unsure just delete it.

6. Enable HTTPS security

This is essential on public networks to secure Gmail from being eaves-dropped into. You can enable this Gmail security option for your account by going to Settings > General > Browser Connection. Ensure “Always use https” is selected.

7. Review your IP login session report

If you scroll down to the bottom of your Gmail account page, you would see a link “Last Account Activity” that shows details about the activities on your account. Click “Details” to see where the account was accessed from (browser, mobile etc), the IP address and the time and date of access.

8. Revoke unauthorized access to other services

You might have granted other third-party services access to your Gmail account just like for Facebook. This access could’ve been given to a browser add-on, a website or any other service. To check this:

1. Go to www.google.com/settings/security and sign in.
2. On the left, click Connected apps & sites.
3. Click Manage apps.
4. Review the list of connected services.

If you find an unwanted service, select the service and click Remove.

9. Beware of phishing mail/sites

Do not give out your secure Gmail account details to an unknown entity under any circumstances. It can come as a mail or a pop-up web page that bears the look of the Gmail page but has a different address.

10. Keep your computer up-to date:

It is critical that you install all the security updates for the computer, device and the application in which you access Gmail. If you have configured Gmail secure email in a mail client like Outlook or Thunderbird, ensure that they are secured as well.

Cheers! Now your Gmail account is as secure as possible.