Google accounts are among the most widely used email services globally, making them prime targets for hackers. Despite robust security measures, instances of Google account breaches have occurred in the past, potentially exposing personal, professional, and financial information stored within these accounts. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a hacked Google account is crucial for maintaining your online security. Here are five ways to check if your account has been compromised.
1. Utilize Google’s Password Checker Tool
Begin by ensuring the security of your Google account password. Google provides a Password Checkup tool that scans stored passwords, including your Google account password, to detect any compromises. Visit Google Password Manager and click on ‘Go to Password Manager’ to access this tool. It advises whether your password has been compromised and recommends creating a unique password if necessary.
Steps to use Google’s Password Checker:
- Visit Google Password Manager.
- Click on ‘Go to Password Manager’.
- Review the security status of your passwords.
- Follow the recommendations to update compromised passwords with strong, unique ones.
2. Monitor Recent Login Activity
Regularly review your account’s recent login activities to identify any unusual or suspicious access. Visit Google Account Notifications to view login activities over the past 28 days. Unexpected logins from unfamiliar locations, especially if you notice activity from places different from your usual ones, could indicate a potential hack.
How to check recent login activity:
- Go to Google Account Notifications.
- Review the list of recent logins.
- Look for any unfamiliar or suspicious activity.
- If you find any unauthorized access, secure your account by changing your password immediately.
3. Verify Linked Devices
Verify the list of devices connected to your Google account by visiting Google Account Security and navigating to the ‘Your devices’ section. Ensure that all listed devices are recognized and trusted. Unknown or unauthorized devices linked to your account may signify a security breach.
Steps to check linked devices:
- Go to Google Account Security.
- Navigate to the ‘Your devices’ section.
- Review the list of connected devices.
- Remove any devices that you do not recognize or trust.
4. Review Authorized Apps and Websites
Inspect the apps and websites authorized to access your Google account information. Navigate to Google Account Security and check the ‘Third-party apps with account access’ section. Remove any apps or websites that you do not recognize or no longer use, as they could pose security risks.
How to review authorized apps and websites:
- Visit Google Account Security.
- Scroll to the ‘Third-party apps with account access’ section.
- Review the list of authorized apps and websites.
- Revoke access to any unrecognized or unused apps and websites.
5. Check Email Forwarding Settings
Verify if your emails are being forwarded to unfamiliar email addresses without your knowledge. Go to Gmail Settings -> Forwarding and POP/IMAP and review the forwarding settings. Remove any unauthorized email addresses and change your Google account password immediately if you suspect email forwarding has been tampered with.
Steps to check email forwarding settings:
- Open Gmail and go to Settings.
- Navigate to the ‘Forwarding and POP/IMAP’ tab.
- Review the list of email forwarding addresses.
- Remove any unauthorized email addresses.
- Change your password if you find any suspicious forwarding settings.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can proactively monitor and secure your Google account against potential breaches and unauthorized access. Regularly updating passwords, reviewing account activities, and managing authorized apps and devices are crucial in maintaining account security and protecting sensitive information. Stay vigilant and take these proactive measures to ensure the safety of your Google account.