Use a strong and unique password

Using a strong and unique password is one of the most important security measures you can take to protect your Gmail account. Weak passwords and passwords used for multiple accounts are particularly vulnerable to computer attacks, such as account takeovers.

A strong password should be long and contain a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. It's also important to avoid using personally identifiable information, such as your full name, date of birth, or phone number, in your password.

Also, it is crucial never to use the same password for multiple online accounts. If a hacker manages to figure out your password for one account, they will then have access to all other accounts associated with that password.

There are several free online tools that can help you generate a strong and unique password. It is also possible to store your passwords securely using a password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password.

In summary, by using a strong and unique password for your Gmail account, you can significantly strengthen the security of your account and protect yourself against cyberattacks. So remember to change your password regularly and always opt for a secure option.

Enable two-step verification

Two-Step Verification is an additional security feature that can be enabled on your Gmail account to further protect your personal information. In addition to your password, this feature will ask you to provide a one-time security code when logging in from a new device or unknown location.

To enable two-step verification on your Gmail account, follow the steps below:

  1. Log in to your Gmail account.
  2. Click on your account icon at the top right of the page, then select “Manage your Google account”.
  3. Go to the “Security” section and click “Edit” next to “Two-Step Login”.
  4. Follow the instructions to set up two-step verification. This may include verifying your mobile number and installing a security app such as Google Authenticator.

Once enabled, two-step verification will add an extra layer of security to your Gmail account. When logging in from a new device or from an unknown location, you will need to provide a one-time security code in addition to your password. This code can be obtained through the Google Authenticator app or sent by SMS to your mobile phone.

In addition to making your Gmail account more secure, two-step verification can also help prevent account takeovers and other forms of online abuse. Do not hesitate to activate this feature on your Gmail account now for increased protection of your personal information.

Keep your computer and mobile devices secure

To protect your Gmail account from online threats, it's important to secure not only your Gmail account, but also all the computers and mobile devices you use to access your account. By following a few simple IT security practices, you can minimize the risk to your Gmail account and personal information.

Here are some steps you can take to secure your computer and mobile devices:

  1. Use up-to-date anti-virus: Be sure to install and keep up-to-date anti-virus software on all your computers and mobile devices. This can help protect your device from viruses, spyware, and other malware.
  2. Install security updates: Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date by regularly installing security updates. Updates may fix security vulnerabilities and improve the protection of your personal information.
  3. Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks: When using public Wi-Fi, ensure that you only connect to secure networks and do not send sensitive information, such as your Gmail account information.
  4. Lock your computer and mobile devices when not in use: Make sure to lock your computer and mobile devices when not in use to prevent unauthorized people from gaining access.
  5. Avoid suspicious attachments or phishing emails: Be careful of suspicious attachments or emails that may contain viruses or malware. Never open suspicious email attachments or links and delete them immediately.

By following these simple IT security practices, you can help protect your Gmail account and minimize the risk to your personal information. So, be sure to follow these steps to keep your computers and mobile devices secure.