In case you own an email account like Gmail or Yahoo, it’s advisable to ensure that a crucial security feature called 2-step verification (2SV) is activated. This advice comes from the team at Action Fraud, who recently issued a reminder urging users to enable 2SV for added protection.
2SV, once activated, adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification step, such as a code or login request to be sent to another device before accessing the account. This measure helps prevent unauthorized access even if someone has the account password.
According to Action Fraud, enabling 2SV enhances email security and thwarts cybercriminals from breaching accounts with just a password. Most major email platforms provide 2-step verification, and it’s a crucial step to safeguard your messages from potential threats.
To verify if 2SV is enabled on Gmail:
– Log in to your Google Account and proceed to settings.
– Navigate to the Security section and select 2-Step Verification.
– Follow the instructions to activate 2SV, which may involve choosing a second verification method like Google prompts, a phone number, or a security key.
– Once activated, you’ll receive alerts for any login attempts from new devices, allowing you to deny access and detect potential hacking incidents.
Apart from Action Fraud, the UK Government’s Stop Think Fraud initiative also advocates for 2SV as a vital security measure for crucial accounts, particularly emails. This additional layer of protection can be set up quickly and is commonly found in account security settings under names like 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
The Stop Think Fraud website offers comprehensive guidance on enabling 2SV across various online services, including email, banking, and social media, ensuring a heightened level of account security.