Secure Your Google Account
Google / Tips and Tricks

5 Ways to Secure Your Google Account

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In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever to protect your online privacy. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your Google account is secure.

Are you concerned about the security of your Google account? Google provides users with multiple settings that can help protect their personal information. Here are five crucial settings to enable on your Google account.

5 Settings to Secure Your Google Account:

  1. Enable Two–Step Verification

Two-Step Verification adds an extra layer of security to your Google account. By combining a passcode system with your existing password login, you can safeguard your privacy.

Without this extra layer of security, it is easier for hackers to gain access to your account and personal information.

To activate Two-Step Verification:

  • Access your Google profile by signing in.
  • Go to the Security sub-menu on the left.
  • Click the 2-Step Verification link below the How to Sign in to Google box.
  • Next, click “TURN ON”.
  • Follow the on-screen -instructions provided to activate Two-Step verification.

  1. Disable Recording of Your Conversations by Google

Google Assistant can record your conversations and interactions when you say “Ok Google”.

When you use the “Ok Google” voice command to interact with Google Assistant, the device will record your voice and the surrounding audio, and transmit it to Google’s servers for processing. This recording may contain sensitive or personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data.

If unauthorized users gain access to your recorded interactions, they can use this information for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

Also, Google uses this data to improve its services and to deliver personalized ads to users, which some users may consider a violation of their privacy.

To prevent Google from recording your conversations:

  • Visit the “My Activity” section of Google.
  • Click “Web and App Activity”.
  • In the “Activity Controls,” uncheck the box “Include voice and audio activity.”

By disabling this feature, your recordings won’t be saved and unauthorized users won’t have access to your Google requests.

  1. Automatically Delete Search History

Google keeps track of everything you do on its apps and services. To ensure maximum privacy, set Google to wipe your search history automatically:

  • Open Chrome and go to the Google Home page.
  • Find the Settings link at the page’s very bottom right.
  • Click “Settings” and Click the option that says “Search History.”
  • Next, click the “Automatically deletion” option.
  • There, you can set the interval at which your search history is automatically deleted from 3 months to 36 months.

By doing this, you will protect your personal information by deleting the search history that Google has stored.

  1. Use Enhanced Browsing Protection on Google Chrome

Google Chrome’s enhanced protection is an additional layer of security for your personal data. This safe browsing mode can defend you against malicious software, potentially harmful add-ons, and phishing.

To turn on Enhanced Browsing Protection:

  • Launch Chrome on your laptop or mobile device.
  • Select the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to access the settings menu.
  • Choose the Security and Privacy menu in the left panel.
  • Click the “Security” option in the right panel.
  • Choose the safety mode labelled “Enhanced Protection.”

By using this feature, your online activities and sensitive data will be better protected against potential threats.

Enhanced protection in Chrome-Secure your Google Account

  1. Clear Data from Google Services You No Longer Use [Google Takeout]

Clearing data from unused Google services can help you maintain better control over your digital footprint. The more data Google has about you, the easier it is for third parties to access information about your online behaviour and preferences.

 

To erase information from Google services you no longer use:

  • Sign in with your Google credentials.
  • Click the “Data & Privacy” option in the left panel.
  • Scroll almost to the bottom of the page and locate the “Download or delete your data” box.
  • In that box, click “Delete a Google service”.
  • Enter your Google Password (Required).
  • Find the Google services that you no longer use and get rid of them.

By following these steps, you can protect your privacy by getting rid of stored data from services you no longer need.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been a helpful guide in showing you how to make your Google account more secure. By following the tips that we have provided, you can help to keep your personal information safe from hackers and other online threats.