If you have a Gmail account. Enable Two Factor Authentication. What is Two Factor or Two Step Authentication? Two Step authentication / verification adds an extra layer of security to your Google Account by requiring you to have access to your phone – as well as your username and password – when you sign in. This means that if someone steals or guesses your password, the potential hijacker still can't sign in to your account because they don't have your phone. While two step verification requires some web savvy, you only need a few basic items: 1. A phone that is usually available to you when you sign in. This could be: * A standard phone (landline or mobile) * Any Android device, BlackBerry device, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad that can run the Google Authenticator application 2. A backup phone that you can use if you lose access to your primary phone. This could be: * A work or home phone (landline or mobile) * The phone of someone you trust, like a friend or family member. Go to your Accounts settings page new window and look for the Using Two step verification link. If you have the link, click it and start the setup process. Cyber Criminals are stepping up their game. You can't just sit back and do nothing, you have to be proactive, and be ready to defend your accounts. Remember that alot of accounts require password reset information to be emailed to you; that is your ace in the hole with a Gmail account enabled with two factor... unless the attacker has your cell phone, they aren't easily going to get in and secure a reset password and take more personally identifiable information from you. Remember Gmail isn't only just a free account, you can actually point your domain MX records to Google and have the Gmail system as your email back end. By having Gmail as your email service, you ensure having greater security and filtration enabled just by using them. Just My two cents. |