Boasting more than 1.8 billion users worldwide, according to data on the website Demand Sage, Gmail has been a helpful platform where you cannot only send and receive emails but also join or start video meetings via the embedded Google Meet and chat instantly with your friends, colleagues, co-workers, and relatives via Google Chat.
Generally, when it comes to security, Gmail is a secure platform to use. When you send emails or text messages, send attachments, or record video meetings, they are securely stored in Gmail’s world-class data centers. Simultaneously, data are encrypted in transit and at rest.
However, like in many other platforms where security is never perfect, Gmail can be a platform that hackers may take advantage of to risk your safety when using it.
Security alerts from Gmail
According to a news report in The US Sun yesterday, Gmail users should never ignore certain Google pop-ups, such as those that concern an “unusual” amount of emails. The report cited Google saying these could endanger your personal data and even your bank accounts.
But Google takes action whenever these things happen. They will send security alerts you can respond to whenever Gmail detects unusual activities in your account that can risk your safety.
“Google sends you security alerts to help prevent other people from using or abusing your account. Help keep your account secure by responding right away to any security alerts you get by phone or email,” Google said on its official Help page.
Google sends security alerts to users when it detects crucial actions in your account, such as when somebody signs in using a new device. It also does so if it sees suspicious activities in the account, such as an unusual number of emails being sent. Google also sends you security alerts if it blocks somebody from doing an action, such as viewing stored passwords.
How hackers do it
Is it really possible for somebody else to send an unusual number of emails using your account beyond your control? Yes.
Scammers can hack email accounts and use them to send malicious phishing messages from credible and trusted sources. They may use your Gmail to send scam emails to people in your contact list and pretend that it is you who sent the emails to them. Plus, and equally as alarming, these hackers might use your Gmail to send a large amount of spam to people you do not know.
When Google sends security alerts once they detect such behavior, a great thing about this is that you can take action to prevent these threats.
Take action
If the activity did not come from you, refer to the security alert to review the sign-in details. Then, choose “No, secure account.” You may also be required to change your password.
If the activity came from you, the security alert would inform you of sign-in details, such as the device type, time, and location. Choose “Yes” if you performed the activity.
Hackers accessing your Gmail is risky for several reasons, especially if your email address is tied to your bank account. They can use your email address to receive access codes to your bank account.
So, you must stay secure at all times.
