In case you have an email account with providers like Gmail or Yahoo, it is advisable to review your account settings to ensure that an important security feature is activated. This advice comes from the team at Action Fraud, who recently issued a warning urging users to enable 2-step verification (2SV) on their accounts.
When 2SV is turned on, it adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step, such as a code or login request sent to another device, before allowing access to the account. According to Action Fraud, enabling 2SV can prevent unauthorized access even if someone has your password.
Most major email platforms offer 2-step verification, a feature you should not overlook if you want to safeguard your messages from unauthorized access.
To check if 2SV is enabled on your Gmail account, follow these steps:
– Log in to your Google Account and navigate to settings.
– Go to the Security section and select 2-Step Verification.
– Follow the instructions to set it up, which may involve choosing a second verification method like Google prompts, a phone number, or a security key.
– Once activated, you will be alerted if there is an attempt to log in from a new device, allowing you to deny access and detect any hacking attempts.
Apart from Action Fraud, the UK Government’s Stop Think Fraud website also recommends activating 2SV for added security, especially for crucial accounts like email. This feature, sometimes referred to as 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), is available on various online services including email, banking, and social media.
For detailed guidance on enabling 2SV, the Stop Think Fraud website provides comprehensive assistance to walk you through the process.