An email address is a unique identifier for an email account. It is used to both send and receive email messages over the internet. Similar to physical mail, an email message requires an address for both the sender and recipient in order to be sent successfully.

Nowadays, many companies send you emails through which they already got the permission to do such activities by which they can observe when you open a mail, what you click after that and what is your location exactly. Toughening your account is very important. So in this post, I will focus on how to secure your Gmail account.To get your email account secure and safe, you need to follow the under listed steps.

#1.Enable 2 step verification

This is a very secure and safe process that keeps your Gmail account protected from various disasters. The users are provided with a one-time login code to a secondary device through text or Google authentication app. But the text is best. The secondary device can be mobile, laptop or any other device. In order to access your Gmail account, the hackers should identify the security code for the secondary devices also. This code can be numbers or any other thing.

#2. Stay out of the spam/phishing messages

Try to avoid the spam or phishing folders. The most malicious emails contain the subject line as:

• Your money is waiting
• Claim your reward
• Get back to me

Also, you can receive some messages with the subject line as ‘Your Amazon. Com order has been shipped’. To keep the Gmail account safe, you can use the unique account for Amazon, e-bay and do not open those emails which you receive in another account.

#3 Do not disclose your password

Never share your password with anyone. If Google wants your Gmail password then do not give it through any link rather go to https://www.gmail.com or https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin and log in.

#4. Account recovery option: Keep the mobile number up-to-date

It is advised to keep the mobile number up to date because Google sends the security code on your mobile number. In case your account number is hacked then they should know your current phone number to let Google send you the security co

5. Use a recovery email address

Email address is the other option that Google uses for sending security codes. You need to have a secondary Email ID where Google can send the security code if you forget your password.

6. Secondary email address

Try using a secondary email address to sign in the Gmail account. But this account should not be the part of your Gmail account or Google account.

Gmail account should be set to use the secure connection that is denoted by HTTP before the URL address and this can be set by going to settings>General> browser connection. You should always use a VPN for login.

8. Use strong and long password

The longer password can better protect your Gmail account. Do not use any words in the passwords that can be found in the dictionary. Try to use #, *, $ in the password to make it strong and safe.

When you are using the account in public such as in the hotel or in café, use private mode or Incognito as it will prevent any cookies or web history from getting stored. But if you do not find any option then delete all the cookies and web history when you log out.

9. Checking Filter Forwarding and POP/IMAP

Hackers can try adding filters on the victims’s accounts. Filters can potentially transfer emails as long as the victim has the filter in his account. So, if you notice any suspicious filters added on your account, you need to delete the filter.

Well, if a hacker has gained access to your Gmail account, they will most probably add their own account under the granted account list. This feature allows users to manage multiple Gmail accounts from a single account. So, make sure to take a look at the Granted Access Accounts to be on the safe side. Open Gmail and head to the Settings > Account & Import > Grant Access To Your Account. There you need to look whether you have granted access to other Gmail users or not.

10. Check Gmail Filters

Nowadays, almost every major websites ask us to login using a Gmail account. To sign up, we need to grant the permissions, however, while asking for permissions, they often apply filters that can transfer emails. So, to be on the safe side, you need to check whether there’s an email filter set up on your account or not. Simply head to the Settings > Filers & Blocked address and delete all filters which you haven’t set up.

11. Remove Apps Connected with your Account

Actually, Gmail users wouldn’t notice while connecting any apps with their accounts because apps are connected with Google account. Hackers can try to install the app in your Gmail account through various sources like Play store etc. Therefore, you need to head over this page and revoke any unauthorized access.

12. Track Your Gmail Account Activity

This is the evergreen method to check your account activity. You need to find out “Last Account Activity” which is usually located on the lower right corner and click on “Details”. Here you can see all your access type, location and also a date. If you notice any unauthorized login, simply change your password to avoid the hacking attempt.

13. Never Ignore Gmail Security Alerts.

Gmail very often asks its users to update their security and we ignore it completely. However, Gmail only notifies it’s users when they feel it’s necessary to update the security. These types of alerts are a clear indication that someone tried to log in to your account. So always make sure you updated the security features.

14. Find Out If your Email is being opened in a suspicious location

Well, this is another security feature that is provided by Google for its Gmail. Well, if you ever think that your Gmail account is being accessed without your permission then you need to scroll down to the bottom of your Gmail inbox page and click “Details” located on the right side of your screen. You will find the detail option for the last account activity.

You need to click on that and it will show you a pop-up window and will give you various locations your email is being opened. Make sure there are no unfamiliar places on the list.

15. Change Your Password Frequently

Most of us simply login with our Gmail username and password and never log out. However, it’s always the best option to change your Gmail password every few months. You should never give your password out to anyone. If for any reason, you give it out to someone, you need to change it as soon as possible.

Make sure to treat your email as if it’s your safety deposit box. Therefore, make sure to change your passwords every few months.

16. Always Sign Out

Anyone could access your Gmail account if you left it Signed in. The Sign out button is there for a reason. Therefore, make sure you hit the button before closing the browser’s window.

If you adhere to these rules,your account will be fully secured.

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