This useful tool helps you control your entire life at Google, which is no small feat if you have an account with some services like Gmail, YouTube, Chrome or use an Android device. It is a lot of information saved and many options to manage.
Everyone who has any account on a Google service can and should know and tweak the Dashboard, there are many important functions. Today, I’m going to focus on security and introduce you to three ways to increase the security of your Google Account using the Dashboard.
First, to access the service, you can type myaccount.google.com in your browser, be it desktop or mobile or, if you are an Android smartphone owner, go to your device’s Settings and access the Google menu. The first three options are the same as on the Dashboard.
1. Enable 2-step verification
If once having a more complex password was enough to be protected, today it is no longer. There are several ways to discover a password, which is why many websites and internet services are implementing two-step verification.
There, in addition to entering an account username and password, you also need to enter a special code made just for you in order to continue accessing what you intended. With Google and the sensitive information it carries about you, it would be no different.
To activate, on the Google Dashboard, go to «Login and Security», and then «Two-step verification». After a short tutorial, click on «Get started». Enter your password and you will be asked for the cell phone number you will use. Choose one that you use frequently and always at hand. Enter DDI and DDD and choose to receive a text message, it’s easier.
A field will appear, where you will enter the code you receive via SMS. Finally, just select the «Activate» button to make this important security tool work and protect you.
2. See which devices and services access your account
Is it difficult to remember which devices and apps you’ve been putting your account on? Sometimes, you had to use an acquaintance’s device to access a ticket website or check your email; or even accessed a service like Foursquare with your account.
If you are no longer going to use the service you registered with, you can revoke his access to your login and other Google information via the Dashboard as well. Go to «Login and Security» and then click on «Applications connected to your account».
I am sure that you will find services, websites, games and applications that you have not used in a long time with privileges to access your account. Make a clean one, click the one that no longer serves and use the «Remove» button without mercy.
Still in «Login and Security», click on «Recently used devices» to check where and when your account was last accessed. If you see any strange devices with recent access, be wary. Above the list is a «Protect your account» button that can help.
3. Perform a thorough security check
From time to time, or if you suspect something suspicious in your activities, you can use a Security Check on the Dashboard. In «Login and Security» go to «Security check» and click on «First steps».
Check your phone and password recovery email and click «Done». Then, you can check your recent security events. If nothing is suspicious, click on «All right». In the next step you will check if the connected devices are normal.
Then, you will go through the sites, services and applications that have access to your account. You can remove the ones you don’t want or consider strangers. Click «Done and you will be taken to the» 2-step verification «section. If not enabled, Google will advise you to do so.
In steps 2 and 3 you can also click on «There is something strange», and you will be asked to change your password. It is healthy and recommended to change your password at least once a year.
And that’s it. These are just some of the very useful services that Google offers on its Dashboard. Spend more time there, explore all the available functions and use them to your advantage?
Did you already use Google Dashboard? Which functions do you use most?