How To Prevent Your Gmail Account From Being Hacked

As recently as July 2013, many Gmail users complained of their accounts being hacked.
Google’s response? It was the users’ fault for not choosing secure passwords.

A hacked Gmail account could give access to Social Media accounts, bank accounts, and many other accounts associated with it. It’s crucial that you secure it to prevent this.

The best way that we have found for securing your Gmail account is 2-step verification.

Two step verification provides Gmail users an extra layer of security. It requires you to be able to access your mobile phone when you sign into your email account – as they will be sending you a unique “verification” number via SMS.

The advantage of this approach s that even if cybercriminals manage to steal your username and password, they won’t know what your verification number is because they don’t have your phone.

Here is a video from Google explaining it in detail:

How to Set up 2 Step Verification

1. Sign in to your Google Account settings page by clicking on your name or picture in the upper right corner of the screen and then clicking Account.
2. At the top, click Security.
3. In the Password box, click Setup next to “2-Step verification.” This will bring you to the 2-Step Verification settings page.

4. You will then see a step-by-step guide which will help you through the setup process.

When you’re finished, you’ll be taken to the 2-Step Verification settings page again. Be sure to review your settings and add backup phone numbers.

Once you’re set up, the next time you try to log into Gmail you’ll be asked for your verification number after entering your username and password. Your mobile phone should receive an SMS text message from Google containing your verification number.

Click HERE for more details on setting up 2 Step Verification, including setup for Android users.

Bonus

Choose a hard-to-crack password

Choosing a hard-to-crack password is not as secure as 2-step verification, but it’s very important nonetheless. Here is an excellent video on how to choose a strong password.

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