Gmail is a free, advertising-supported email service provided by Google. Users can access Gmail on the web and through mobile apps for Android and iOS, as well as through third-party programs that synchronize email content through POP or IMAP protocols. Gmail started as a limited beta release on April 1, 2004 and ended its testing phase on July 7, 2009. By October 2018, Gmail had 1.5 billion active users worldwide.
Why Gmail security is important?
Your Gmail account can give hackers more than just access to your email. If you use Gmail, Google Calendar, and other Google apps, a hacker could gain access to a lot of sensitive information. That’s why it’s important to secure your Gmail account with a strong password and two-step verification.
Why hackers can hack your Gmail account?
There are several reasons why hackers might want to hack your Gmail account. They could be after your personal information, looking to access your financial accounts, or wanting to use your account to send spam messages. Whatever their motivation, if they’re able to successfully hack your account, they can cause a lot of trouble.
How to know if your Gmail account is hacked?
There are several signs that your Gmail account may have been hacked. If you’re suddenly receiving a lot of spam messages, if you’re seeing strange activity in your account, or if you’re receiving error messages when you try to log in, these could all be signs that your account has been compromised.
How can you prevent hackers from accessing your Gmail account?
There are several steps you can take to prevent hackers from accessing your Gmail account. First, choose a strong password that is difficult to guess. You should also enable two-step verification for an extra layer of security. Finally, be sure to keep your computer and browser up to date with the latest security patches.
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Use a strong password:
One of the best ways to protect your account is to choose a strong password that is difficult to guess. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name or birthday.
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Enable two-step verification:
Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. With two-step verification turned on, you’ll need to enter a code that is sent to your phone whenever you try to log in to your account. This helps to ensure that only you can access your account, even if someone knows your password.
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Keep your computer and browser up to date:
It’s important to keep your computer and browser up to date with the latest security patches. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities, so it’s important to stay ahead of them by keeping your software up to date. You can usually set your computer to install updates automatically.
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Be cautious of phishing scams:
Phishing scams are a common way for hackers to gain access to people’s accounts. These scams usually involve an email or website that looks like it’s from a legitimate company, but is actually a fake. The goal of these scams is to get you to enter your password or other sensitive information. Be cautious of any emails or websites that ask for your personal information. If you’re not sure if an email or website is legitimate, you can contact the company directly to verify.
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Use a secure connection:
When you’re accessing your account from a public Wi-Fi network, it’s important to use a secure connection. Hackers can intercept your information if you’re not using a secure connection. To ensure that your connection is secure, look for the https:// in the address bar of your browser. You should also see a lock icon next to the address bar. If you don’t see these, do not enter any sensitive information on the site.
What to do if your Gmail account has been hacked?
If you think your Gmail account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change your password. You should also enable two-step verification if you haven’t already. If you’re still seeing strange activity, you can report it to Google. They will investigate and take appropriate action to secure your account.