Keep your account secure
At Google, we take account security very seriously. To protect your account, we strongly recommend following the steps below regularly, especially if you notice changes to your account that you didn’t make.
If you think your account has been compromised, reset your password immediately.
Make your Google Account more secure
1. Check for viruses and malware.Run a scan on your computer with a trusted anti-virus software. If the scan detects any suspicious programs or applications, remove them immediately. Read more.
Go to the My Account page. In the "Security Checkup" section, select Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions to check your account security.
Check that your account recovery options are up-to-date.
2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to sign in with something you know (your password) and something you have (a code sent to your phone).
Make sure you've set your computer to update automatically. If you get a notice to update, take care of it right away.
If you enter your password in an external website and it's compromised, someone could try to sign in to your Google Account with the same information. Make sure to change your Google Account password.
Never enter your password after following a link in an email from an untrusted site. Always go directly to mail.google.com or accounts.google.com/Login.
Don't write it down, send it via email, or tell anyone. Google will never email you to ask for your password or other sensitive information.
- Always sign out of your account. Just click your name or email address at the top of the page, and select Sign out.
- Clear forms, passwords, cache, and cookies in your browser on a regular basis.
Ashley is an Accounts expert and the author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about how to improve it.