Google provides numerous excellent services over the internet. After signing up for a free Gmail account, we get access to services such as Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. All these services are beneficial for carrying out activities both in the personal and professional sphere of life. With numerous benefits, it is essential to secure the Gmail account from any unauthorized and suspicious access.

Google provides us with numerous amazing services that host our private and sensitive data and require maximum protection against cyber-attackers. Google seems to be an industry leader in the tech firm. Google has taken every possible measure to keep its user data safe and secure from the server-side, and now it is our responsibility to take preventive actions from our side to make it secure against the attack of hackers.

Furthermore, Google also offers us various features and options to protect our Gmail account. While using these features, although there are some additional steps you need to go through to access your Gmail account, in the end, it is all worth it.

By now, you'll be thinking of ways to protect your Gmail account. Well! Don't overthink because we have done things for you. In the remaining part of the article, we'll discuss different steps to safeguard your Gmail account. Let's read on.

  How to Secure Your Gmail Account?

Albeit Google does take the necessary steps with its most powerful and secure system at the server-side. Still, it also provides its users with various options so they can boost the security of their accounts. The sophisticated security system of Google allows you to get some instant information if there is any doubtful activity going on with your account. In this way, you can take quick, immediate action to protect your Gmail account and also recover it in case someone attempts to hack it.

Now, let's talk in detail about the steps that should be taken to strengthen the security of our Gmail account.

    1.   Set Up Two-Step Verification Process

Hackers who often land into high profile Gmail accounts seized usernames and passwords. Thus, it is a mandatory thing to make Gmail need an extra piece of information before allowing anyone to access your account. Google offers a facility known as "two-step verification" to its Gmail users that provides an additional layer of security. All it requires you to access your mobile phone when you sign in to your email account because they send you a verification number through SMS.

The wonder of this approach that is similar to that done by several online banks is that even cybercriminals accomplish to steal the username and password; they won't know what your verification code is because they don't have your phone.

Once you set up in this way, the next time you try to log into Gmail from some other system, you'll be asked for the code after entering your login credentials. You should receive a text message from Google that contains the code number.

    2.   Choose a Strong Password

Experts always warn of using the same usernames and passwords on multiple websites. It is because if the hackers know your password in one place, they can try it in other sites too. Although remembering a password is a bit tough, it doesn't mean that you start using a weak password. Hackers use highly advanced tools to break into your Gmail account by making a combination of passwords. Thus, it is the right time that you must change your password to something that cannot be easily detected.

Using the best password managers is also a wise decision. It ensures that you don't use the same password on more than one website. Moreover, it would also be a great decision if you use a custom phrase as your password. Your pin code must be a combination of alphanumeric characters and must rank high in difficulty.

    3.   Keep a Watchful Eye on Phishing Attacks

We all know that phishing is a kind of social engineering attack in which the attacker steals the credentials and password impersonating them as a legal site. Like for instance, a phishing site looks similar to the actual website. But, it is nothing more than a credential-stealing machine.

Gmail doesn't ask its users to enter credentials; even it does ensure that the website is legal. Do check for grammar and typo errors; if not, then you can always check the difference in the URL. Also, it is advisable to avoid giving personal details on social media too.

    4.   Encrypt Your Emails

Encryption is the best security solution one can deploy for robust security. With encryption, one can make sure that only the receivers get to read the messages. In other words, it means that this technology works like a lock and key model. Only those people who have the key to the lock can open it. Here are steps by which you can check whether an email is encrypted or not.

-Start writing an email

-In the end, add the recipient field and check for a lock icon in the right.

-The icon will show the users' encryption level.

-Click on the icon to get the details.

    5.   Check the Recent Security Events

It is among the best ways to check what your Google account has been up to. This characteristic is nothing but a highly advanced log that allows you to check the Google login activities. The recent security events settle the login along with the timestamp and location. To get access to this feature, you must visit a Google profile photo and click on the account

    6.   Check Gmail Filters

  At present, every primary website does ask us our login credentials using a Gmail account. To sign up, we need to give the permissions, but while asking for permission, they do apply filters that can transfer the emails. Thus, to be on the protected side, you need to check whether there's an email filter set up on your account or not. To do so, head to the settings > filters & blocked address and delete all the filters that you haven't set up.

    7.   Secure Your System

It should be every user's top priority without even mentioning it. Users need to adequately secure their computer systems with updated anti-virus software, security patches, and other tools for ensuring security. If you are not using such tools, then you're inviting hackers to plant malicious code on your system that can spy upon you and, in fact, your email address too.

    8.   Review the Account Activity

A hacker may be accessing or trying to access your account without your consent. To check it out, sign in to your Gmail account and scroll to the bottom of the page. There you'll see an option that says "last account activity."

Afterward, click on details to see when, where, and how your account has been used. Moreover, if you suspect any suspicious activity, then click on the button written sign out of all other Gmail web sessions and quickly change your password.

  Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the article, we can only hope that you've well understood how essential it is to secure your Gmail account. As now, you are aware of the steps needed to secure the Gmail account, so follow these steps and enhance your security.