Google is encouraging all Gmail users to make an important change to their account in order to give yourself the best chance of avoiding falling victim to cyber crime, with cunning criminals always finding new ways to use your data
Gmail users, take note: It’s time for an urgent security checkup on your accounts to boost your virtual safety.
As our lives go increasingly digital, cybersecurity is becoming a pressing issue, with the FBI reporting that cyber attacks surged by 33% last year. Billions of dollars are lost to internet fraud annually, signifying the growing risk in our web-centric world.
Google, recognizing this threat, is pushing Gmail users to make a vital change, The Express has disclosed. This step aims to bolster their defense against savvy cyber criminals who constantly develop new tactics to hijack personal data and infiltrate multiple online services.
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Moving past traditional passwords is what Google advocates, suggesting users adopt more sophisticated safeguards like passkeys and the Sign in with Google feature. These alternatives offer enhanced protection over juggling numerous passwords – a risky habit still common among Gen Xers and Baby Boomers.
“We want to move beyond passwords altogether, while keeping sign-ins as easy as possible, so we strongly encourage using modern methods like Sign in with Google and passkeys, which can be stored in and synced across your devices with Google Password Manager,” urged Google’s Evan Kotsovinos, reports the Irish Mirror.
“Passkeys are phishing-resistant and can log you in simply with the method you use to unlock your device (like your fingerprint or face ID) – no password required. And when you pair the ease and safety of passkeys with your Google Account, you can then use Sign in with Google to log in to your favourite websites and apps – limiting the number of accounts you have to maintain. Gen Z’s embrace of these tools actually represents a big step forward for collective security.”
For those less comfortable with technology who still prefer traditional passwords, they’re encouraged to adopt two-step verification (2SC), which adds a layer of security by requiring a code sent to another device for services like Gmail.
“For people who still prefer passwords, we have tools like 2-Step Verification (2SV), the Google Authenticator A,pp and Google Password Manager – that provide a second line of defense so that a password alone can’t empower a bad actor,” Kotsovinos added.
In the face of persistent cyber threats, it’s wise to heed this advice and either transition away from passwords or bolster your security with additional measures.
Google clarifies: “Passkeys are a simple and secure alternative to passwords. With a passkey, you can sign in to your Google Account with your fingerprint, face scan, or phone screen lock, like a PIN.”
To set up passkeys for your Google Account, just head over to your Google Account settings, click on “Security,” then hit “How you sign in to Google,” and look for “Passkeys and security keys.”
Once there, you’ll have the option to whip up a new passkey, which includes confirming who you are and syncing it with your device.
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