How were these user names and passwords leaked?
Unlike most other news we have heard recently, Gmail passwords usernames were not leaked in breach. Instead, they were probably collected from a number of phishing and hacking attempts throughout many years, as explained by Google.
If you are worried about these passwords leak gmail
The short answer - probably not. Since this information has been collected during a long period of time, most of it is likely inaccurate. In fact, Google has confirmed that only 2% of username and password combinations stolen can actually work.
To protect the small amount of user names and passwords that can still work, Google said that its automated anti-hijacking system probably accounts protected by blocking many of these login attempts . In addition, it took affected users to reset their passwords.
What can I do to protect myself?
Considering that only a small number of stolen login combinations can actually work, there is not much you need to do in terms of protecting you. That said, there are still some steps you can take to make sure your Gmail account and personal information remain secure if there is ever a leak of user names and passwords in the future.
1. Change your password: This is one of the best ways to keep your information secure on the Internet, regardless of whether you try to protect an email, bank account or social media account. Your password must be strong - consisting of at least six uppercase and lowercase letters, one number and one special character - and changed about once every three months. Although having to change your password so often may seem complicated, if you change your password regularly, you make yourself less vulnerable to an account recovery should your login information is breached. The best way to remember when it's time for a change is to set a reminder in your e-mail or phone that will alert you when a change is needed.
I do not know how to bring your new password? Let our step by step guide to creating a strong password to help.
2. Activate the check in 2 steps: Google knows that people want to protect the information they store on their Gmail accounts, it has developed a tool called 2 step verification. This checking feature works in a fairly simple manner, but adds some major protection by requiring you to enter a unique code at any time you connect to your account on a new device. This code will be sent by text, voice or mobile Google. Because you can allow Google to remember some devices, it is not a step you'll need to complete each time you log in to your account on your home computer, cellular phones or tablets.
To enable verification 2-step, you must first go to the Privacy menu in your Gmail account by clicking on the circle with your photo on the top right of the screen and selecting life private. Then click on "Learn how to set up verification 2-step" under Tools and information and follow the steps to activate the function. After checking in 2 stages is enabled, there is no way you'll be able to access your Gmail account without the code sent to you, which makes it difficult for anyone with your password for you connect. And since you'll be alerted by a code at any time your account is accessed on a new device, you'll know if someone is trying to hack your account.
3. Consider signing up for a service protection against identity theft: Since we live in a time when technology stores so much of our personal information, most of we worry about the possibility that our identities are stolen. One of the best ways to protect yourself against identity theft is to be proactive about it - which is where the identity theft protection comes These services monitor the use of your personal information on the black market for Internet and alert you if your information is. be sold or traded to identity thieves. This means that if your information is violated and appears on the black market on the Internet, you will be alerted.
In addition, most of these services also offer credit report monitoring three office will actively monitor updates or changes to your reports and alerts you of the change. This makes it easier to keep track of your credit reports for your records and whether all fraudulent credit accounts are opened in your name.
Finally, identity theft protection services will offer step by step assistance throughout the restoration process if your identity is stolen while you are registered for the service. Falling victim of identity theft can be a stressful situation, so it's comforting to know you have the support you need.
Visit our comment protection against identity theft for more information on how these services work, as well as finding the best service for your needs.