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Faizan
If your Google account is compromised, there are a few important steps to take to regain control. First and foremost, you must ensure that your computer and Web browser are not at fault for the account hijacking. Since Google accounts house a variety of personal information, hackers often target those accounts when deploying viruses and malware. Do not change your password without first taking a full inventory of your account. Once your computer is secure, go through the account security checklist provided by Google to make certain that you are using best security practices.
Virus Scan
Before attempting to change your password and re-access your Google account, it is essential that you ensure that your computer is secure from viruses and malware. It is often the case that Google account hijacks are a result of virus infections that hackers use to cull private data from your computer. Update your anti-virus software and perform a full system scan to eliminate any threats that may be present on your computer.
Update Software
Another important step to take before attempting to regain control of your Google account is to update your operating system and browser software. One of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your private account information is through exploits in outdated Windows and browser software. To update your operating system, click the "Start" button and select "Windows Update." Browser updates will vary depending on the browser you use but updates can generally be accessed by visiting the browser's home page.
Change Password
Once your computer is secured, it is time to change your password. Navigate to the Google accounts page and click "Can't access your account?" to begin the password reset process. Enter your Google account email address and then select the password reset method you want to employ. You can reset your password by answering a security question, sending a verification code to your mobile device or by sending a password reset link to an alternate email account. When selecting a new password, be sure it is secure and not currently used with other accounts. A mixed case password with symbols and numerals is best, as dictionary-based words are easiest to crack.
Complete Gmail Security Checklist
Once you have changed your password, navigate to the Gmail security checklist. Though intended for Gmail accounts specifically, the security checklist has a number of practical tips that apply to general Google account holders as well. Complete the checklist in full to best protect your account from future intrusion by removing potentially unauthorized third-party access to your account, reviewing last account activity to determine the nature of the recent hijacking and remotely signing out any active sessions you did not authorize.
Virus ScanBefore attempting to change your password and re-access your Google account, it is essential that you ensure that your computer is secure from viruses and malware. It is often the case that Google account hijacks are a result of virus infections that hackers use to cull private data from your computer. Update your anti-virus software and perform a full system scan to eliminate any threats that may be present on your computer.
Update Software
Another important step to take before attempting to regain control of your Google account is to update your operating system and browser software. One of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your private account information is through exploits in outdated Windows and browser software. To update your operating system, click the "Start" button and select "Windows Update." Browser updates will vary depending on the browser you use but updates can generally be accessed by visiting the browser's home page.
Change Password
Once your computer is secured, it is time to change your password. Navigate to the Google accounts page and click "Can't access your account?" to begin the password reset process. Enter your Google account email address and then select the password reset method you want to employ. You can reset your password by answering a security question, sending a verification code to your mobile device or by sending a password reset link to an alternate email account. When selecting a new password, be sure it is secure and not currently used with other accounts. A mixed case password with symbols and numerals is best, as dictionary-based words are easiest to crack.
Complete Gmail Security Checklist
Once you have changed your password, navigate to the Gmail security checklist. Though intended for Gmail accounts specifically, the security checklist has a number of practical tips that apply to general Google account holders as well. Complete the checklist in full to best protect your account from future intrusion by removing potentially unauthorized third-party access to your account, reviewing last account activity to determine the nature of the recent hijacking and remotely signing out any active sessions you did not authorize.
Posted in: google
