Google warns billions to ‘respond right away’ over three alerts or crooks can ‘use or abuse your account’
GOOGLE users have been warned to never ignore important security alerts that aim to keep their accounts safe.
These alerts help prevent other people from “using or abusing” your account, the tech giant notes on its webpage.
To help keep your account secure, Google recommends responding right away to these security alerts.
WHEN YOU MIGHT GET AN ALERT
Google will only send a user a security alert in three specific scenarios.
The first is when it detects important actions in your Google account – like if someone signs in on a new device.
The second is if it detects suspicious activity in your account, like if a high number of emails are sent.
Third, Google might send an alert if it blocks someone from taking an important action, such as viewing stored passwords.
REVIEW THE ALERT
When this happens, Google urges users to review the alert diligently and then take action.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the security alert to review the activity on your account.
Ignoring an alert could let a bad actor access your account, and subsequently your sensitive data.
If you have any financial or credit card information linked to your account, they could access that as well.
IF THE ACTIVITY WASN’T YOU
On the security alert, check out the sign-in details such as device type, time, and location.
If this activity does not appear familiar, then select “No, secure account.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to secure your account.
This might require you to change your password.
Google Incognito Mode – how does it work?
Here's what you need to know...
- Incognito Mode is extremely useful, because it can stop your browser saving information about what you do online to your computer
- For instance, any websites you visit while in Incognito Mode won’t show up in your browsing history
- You also won’t store any new cookies linked to your own identity (read our cookies explainer here) – these are small computer files that let websites know if you’ve been on their page previously
- It also won’t save any site data – for instance, if you’re logged into a website, you’ll be logged out in incognito mode
- Or if you want to search for something on the internet, but don’t want websites to constantly serve you ads for that product in the future, Incognito Mode will prevent those sites from knowing you were interested in an item
Go to your Google Account > on the Security Issues Found panel, tap on Secure account.
However, if you’re sure the activity was conducted by you, then you can choose “Yes.”
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
To keep your Google account even safer, follow the Google-recommended tips below.
First, ensure you’re using strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
Use a VPN to help protect your traffic from being intercepted by attackers.
Keep your software up to date as new updates include security patches that can help protect you from cyberattacks.