With the increase in cybercrimes and hackers targeting individuals, it’s become crucial for everyone to take steps to protect their online accounts, especially when it comes to their finances. Hackers are constantly looking for opportunities to steal personal information, access bank accounts, or engage in other fraudulent activities. While these attacks may not be common, it’s still essential to be prepared and take necessary precautions to safeguard your online presence.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different methods to protect your various online accounts. It’s important to note that these measures do not guarantee absolute security, and if you suspect any compromise, it is advisable to seek professional help, especially if you are a high-risk individual such as a journalist, dissident, or activist. Organizations like Access Now provide a digital security helpline that connects you with experts who can assist you in such cases.
One of the first steps in securing your accounts is to enable multi-factor authentication. This involves adding an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring another form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Many online services now offer this feature, and it is recommended to enable it for all your important accounts, including email, banking, and social media. A directory with instructions on enabling multi-factor authentication on various websites can be found online.
In recent times, some online services have introduced physical security keys or passkeys stored in password managers as an advanced security measure. These keys are highly secure and make it extremely difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts through password-stealing malware or phishing attempts. It is advisable to utilize these keys, especially if you are at a higher risk of being targeted.
Let’s delve deeper into the security measures specific to different online services:
1. Gmail:
If you suspect that someone has gained unauthorized access to your Gmail account, the first step is to scroll down to the bottom right corner of your inbox. Look for “Last account activity” and click on “Details.” A pop-up window will appear, displaying all the locations where your Google account is active. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, such as logins from countries you haven’t visited or never been to, click on “Security Checkup” to further investigate. This will show you the devices associated with your Google account. You can also check “Recent security activity” to see if any unrecognized devices are listed. If you find any suspicious activity, change your password immediately.
It is worth considering enabling Google’s Advanced Protection on your account. This enhanced security measure adds extra layers of protection, making it harder for hackers to bypass security measures. While this may involve purchasing security keys, it is highly recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk of being targeted.
Remember, your email account is often linked to other crucial accounts, such as social media, banking, and healthcare. Securing your email is of utmost importance to prevent hackers from gaining access to these interconnected accounts.
2. Outlook and Microsoft:
To check if your Microsoft Outlook account has been compromised, navigate to your Microsoft Account and click on “Security” in the left-hand menu. Under “Sign-in activity,” select “View my activity.” This page will display recent login activity, including details about the platform used, device type, browser, and IP address. If any suspicious activity is detected, Microsoft provides resources to secure your account and recover from a compromised state.
3. Yahoo:
Yahoo, which owns TechCrunch, offers a tool that allows you to review your account activity and detect any unusual signs of compromise. To access this tool, go to your Yahoo My Account Overview or click on your initial icon next to the email icon in the top right corner. Click on “Manage your account” and select “Review recent activity.” This page provides information about recent account activity, including password changes, added phone numbers, connected devices, and their corresponding IP addresses. Given that your email address is often linked to sensitive accounts, securing your Yahoo account is crucial.
4. Apple:
To ensure the security of your Apple ID, you can check the devices logged into your account directly through your iPhone or Mac system settings. On an iPhone or iPad, go to “Settings,” tap your name, and scroll down to view all the signed-in devices. On a Mac, click on the Apple logo on the top left corner, select “System Settings,” click on your name, and you will see a list of devices. You can view device information, such as model, serial number, and operating system version. For Windows users, Apple’s iCloud app provides access to the logged-in devices. You can also check this information via the web by visiting your Apple ID account page.
5. Facebook and Instagram:
Facebook offers a feature that allows you to check where your account is currently logged in. In the “Password and Security” settings, click on “Where you’re logged in” to review the active sessions. If your Instagram account is linked to Facebook, you can also see the logged-in devices from Instagram’s “Account Center.” In cases where you don’t recognize certain devices or they are no longer in use, you can choose to log out from specific devices for added security. Facebook also offers the Advanced Protection feature, which adds additional security measures to combat unauthorized access.
6. WhatsApp:
WhatsApp now allows users to access the app on multiple devices, including computers and browsers. To check where you are logged in, open the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone. On iPhones and iPads, tap on the Settings icon in the bottom right corner, then select “Linked devices.” On Android, tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the WhatsApp app and select “Linked devices.” From these screens, you can view the list of connected devices and choose to log out from specific devices if necessary.
7. Signal:
Similar to WhatsApp, Signal also offers desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux. To manage linked devices and ensure security, go to the “Linked Devices” screen on the mobile app. From there, you can remove devices and log out securely.
8. Twitter (X):
To see where you are logged into your X account, go to X Settings, select “More” on the left-hand menu, click on “Settings and privacy,” then “Security and account access,” and finally “Apps and sessions.” In this section, you can view the apps connected to your X account, check logged-in sessions, and review the access history. If you want to revoke access from all other devices and locations, you can click the “Log out of all other sessions” button.
By following these steps and implementing the suggested security measures, you can significantly enhance the protection of your online accounts. Remember, securing your email account is especially crucial since it often serves as the gateway to your various other accounts. Stay vigilant, enable multi-factor authentication, and ensure that you have strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Regularly monitoring your account activity and staying informed about the latest threats and security practices will help you stay one step ahead of potential hackers.
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