Protect your Google Account password
Recent news about the Heartbleed bug reminded me how important it is to keep your Google account secure.
In their article on The Heartbleed Hit List: The Passwords You Need to Change Right Now, Mashable confirms that:
Google said users do not need to change their passwords, but because of the previous vulnerability, better safe than sorry.
Here are three smart tips you can follow to increase your Google account security.
1. Set up Google 2-Step Verification
In Google’s words:
2-Step Verification can help keep bad guys out, even if they have your password.
This system uses your phone to add an extra layer of protection to your account. Once it is set up, whenever you log in to your account from a new device or browser, you’ll be SMS’d a Verification number which you need to enter into the device before you can access your account.
This means that even if someone else is able to access your password, they’ll need access to your phone in order to get in to your account.
Find out how to set up Google’s 2-Step Verification.
2. Never Share your Password
It surprises me how many people are still willing to share their password.
If you’re working with someone who needs access to your AdWords or Analytics accounts, you don’t need to share your password with them.
For AdWords, an AdWords Partner can request access to your account via their MCC (My Client Centre). All they need is your Customer ID number, never your password.
For Analytics, you can give access to your account to someone else, providing their have a Google linked email address. Again, you don’t need to share your password for this.
3. Create Strong Passwords
This seems obvious but I think a lot of people are probably still using “password1”, “my birthday or a family birthday” or “your pet’s name” as their password.
Follow the steps in Symantec’s Guide to Better Password Practices to create a strong and un-obvious password.
Also remember to protect your laptop, mobile phone, tablet etc with a password or PIN number. Without this, no matter how strong your passwords are, if you’ve saved your logins in your browser and someone steals your device, they’ll still be able to get in to your accounts.
What other tips do you have for keeping your passwords secure?
Melinda aka Mel is a Google Partner, Google Ads & Consultant, Speaker and Trainer and co-owner of Click-Winning Content.
Mel provides results-driven services to organisations around the world and is committed to never using an acronym without explaining it first. She also likes greyhounds as pets, grand slam tennis, cracked pepper and Melbourne sunsets.
Please connect at the links below.
