3 WAYS TO PROTECT
THE DATA IN YOUR
GOOGLE ACCOUNT
By Lookout, Inc.

From email to documents to
contacts, there’s a lot of
personal info attached to
your Google account.

It’s only natural that you’d be wondering
data private? “
How do I keep my private

1
USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
on all your accounts especially the ones
that hold sensitive data such as photos,
credit card numbers, and personally
identifiable information.

1. Sign in to your Google account and click on your name or picture in the upper right
corner of the screen. Click on “Account”.

2. Click on “Security” on the top of the page.

3. Click on “Setup” next to “2-Step Verification.

4. After reading Google’s information about signing in with 2-Step, click on “Start Setup.”

5. Enter your Google password and click “Sign In.”

6. Enter your phone number, select how you would like your codes sent, and click “Send
code.” It’s important that you provide a number you’ll always have access to.

7. Enter the code that was sent to you by the method you chose in Step 6. Click “Verify.”

8. Determine whether you trust the device you’re on. You should only check the box next
to “Trust this computer” if you’re the only one who uses it and it is password protected.

9. Click “Confirm” to set up 2-Factor Verification.

10. You now have access to 2-Factor Verification settings. If you don’t want to be sent a
new code every time you log into your account from a new device, you can opt to use
Google’s Authenticator app to generate verification codes instead.

11. You can also set up a backup phone number or print out backup codes in case
something happens to your phone.

12. You can also manage App-specific passwords and Registered computers.

13. You’ll probably discover how many devices are accessing your Google account pretty
quickly as you have to log in to your account again. It’s an important reminder how
vulnerable your personal information was just moments ago.

2
CHOOSE A COMPLEX PASSWORD
using at least 8 characters including numbers,
special characters, and that is not based on a
dictionary word. Alternatively, you can use a number
of dictionary words to create a “passphrase."
Read the blog

3
SET A PASSCODE ON YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER
One of the easiest ways for someone to get into an account
that doesn’t belong to them doesn’t involve hacking at all.
Since you’re probably always logged into your accounts, a
passcode on your device is the best way to keep out
anyone who shouldn’t have access to your device.

For more mobile security tips, follow