Take these simple steps to enhance your security.

Take a few minutes to review and manage your security settings

The first thing you can do to protect your Google Account is take the Security Checkup. We built it to help you verify that your security information is up to date, and that the websites, apps, and devices connected to your account are ones you still use and trust. If anything looks suspicious, you can change your settings or password immediately. Security Checkup takes just a few minutes and can be done as often as you like.

Make your account password your first line of defense

A strong password deters hackers and keeps your account protected. Passwords like “password,” “123456,” or your birthdate are not good choices because they are too easy to guess. To create a good password, make sure that it is unique, that it contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and that you are using it only on Google. And, if you have more than one Google Account, be sure to create a unique password for each one. Lastly, keep it a secret. Your password should only be known by you.

Add an extra layer of security to your account

Make sure your account includes a recovery phone number. We can use this number to verify your password, get you back into your account if you lose access, and alert you to possible security threats like someone trying to sign in to your account from an unusual place. Don’t worry: Unless you request otherwise or provide your phone number to us in a different way, we will only use this recovery phone number to protect your account.

Get the highest level of security for your Google Account

With 2-Step Verification, it takes more than your password to sign into your account. This can be a 6-digit code that is sent to your phone or, for even more protection, a Security Key you insert into the USB port of your computer. This added layer of security can prevent phishing because even if someone steals your password it is still not enough to get into your account.