GOOGLE is warning all users to be aware of this important sign that could mean your account has been threatened.
Online scammers are always trying to steal sensitive information, so it’s important to constantly keep an eye on your account.
Google has several pages that tell users what to do if their account is threatened or compromised.
“At the Googlewe take online security seriously,” said one declaration from the Help Center.
“To protect your Google Account, we strongly recommend following the steps below regularly.”
Google will alert users with a red, yellow, or able exclamation point to recommend when immediate action should be taken regarding their account.
A recommended action is a suggestion for steps users must take to protect their accounts.
The color of the exclamation mark determines the severity of the action.
Blue is for safety tips and is not seen as extremely urgent, while yellow is for important tips steps.
However, red is the most urgent action that needs to be taken for account security.
Once the necessary actions have been taken, a green shield with a check mark should appear, meaning the account is in good standing.
To check these notifications, you first need to be signed in to your Google account.
In the top right corner of the screen, tap your profile photo, which should reveal a drop-down menu.
Select the recommended actions, which will take you to the Security Check page.
This is where you will receive information about the recommendations needed to improve your account security.
If there are no recommended actions, your account is in good standing; however, you can review the security level of your Google account.
To do this, you will click on Manage your account and then Security.
If all recommendations have been met, the top of this page will show a green shield.
How to protect your Google account
Performing routine checks on your Google account is a great way to ensure its security. Here are some tips you can follow to ensure your information is safe:
- Perform a security check – This involves adding or updating recovery options, enabling two-step verification, or enabling screen locks
- Update your software – If your browser, operating system or applications are out of date, your software data may not be safe from hackers
- Use strong and unique passwords – using the same password on multiple sites is a risky move. If one of these accounts is hacked, all other accounts will be threatened.
- Remove unnecessary apps and browser extensions – The more apps there are on a device, the more vulnerable it can become. Install only the necessary apps and browser extensions.
- Protect yourself from suspicious messages and content – Hackers may use emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites that pretend to be legitimate businesses, family, or friends
Source: Google
If you encounter unknown activity on your Google account, Gmail, or other Google products, there are ways to protect your account.
First log in, however, if you can’t, you will have to use the account recovery tips.
This happens when someone changes your account information like your password or recovery phone number, someone deletes your account, or for another reason.
NextYou will have to analysis your account activity to find the suspicious action.
You can also analysis which devices use your account, allowing you to sign out of all devices.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story