When it comes to internet security, even the ‘intelligent’ bunch of people are unaware of the strongest protection available today with Google and Gmail. Google not only offers free email but also provides a personal cybersecurity suite packed with layers of protection, privacy, and peace of mind.
Here’s your guide to the most sophisticated and completely free digital security ecosystem on planet Earth with Google and Gmail.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Your second lock
Navigation: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification
Description: Passwords can be stolen, but a second verification factor, like a code sent to your phone or a tap on your Google Prompt, keeps your account secure even if your password is compromised.
You can use:
- Google Prompt (tap “Yes” on your phone)
- SMS codes
- Backup codes
- Physical security keys (e.g., Titan Key or YubiKey)
Note: Enable ‘Passkeys’, the new passwordless standard using fingerprint or face unlock.
Manage devices – Know who’s logged in
Navigation: Google Account → Security → Your Devices → Manage all devices
Description: View every device signed in: Phones, laptops, smart TVs. If you spot something unfamiliar, click ‘Sign out’ instantly. This helps detect unauthorised logins in real time.
Note: Turn on ‘Send Security Alerts’ so Google notifies you immediately when a new device signs in.
Recovery options – Your digital lifeline
Navigation: Google Account → Security → Ways we can verify it’s you → Recovery phone & Recovery email
Description: Set up a recovery phone and email. If you forget your password or get locked out, Google helps you recover securely. Without this setup, account recovery can be nearly impossible.
Note: Update your Google (Gmail) account recovery info at least once a year. Many people lose access due to outdated phone numbers.
Subscriptions & Payments – Watch what you’re paying for
Navigation: Google Account → Payments & Subscriptions → Subscriptions
Description: View all active subscriptions made through Google Pay, YouTube, or the Play Store. Cancel recurring payments and prevent unwanted auto-renewals, an essential privacy and financial safety tool.
Note: Use ‘Purchase History’ to monitor recent app purchases or donations for transparency.
Third-Party App Access – Cut off unwanted guests
Navigation: Google Account → Security → Third-party apps with account access
Description: Every time you ‘Sign in with Google’, you grant access to an app. Review and revoke permissions for any app that no longer needs your data. It’s like auditing who holds spare keys to your house.
Note: Remove any apps you haven’t used in over 90 days.
Google Password Manager & Passkeys
Navigation: Google Account → Security → Password Manager
Description: Google securely stores and autofills your passwords across devices. It flags weak, reused, or leaked passwords. Passkeys replace passwords entirely with biometrics or device authentication, making phishing nearly impossible.
Note: Turn on ‘Password Check-Up’. It runs a safety audit across all your saved credentials.
Also, read more about Google account security from Google itself
Location & Activity Controls – Privacy on your terms
Navigation: Google Account → Data & Privacy → History Settings
Description: Control how much data Google saves—location, web activity, and YouTube history. Pause tracking or set auto-delete every 3, 18, or 36 months.
Note: If you use shared devices, always turn off ‘Web & App Activity’ to prevent accidental data sharing.
Google Watch & Smart Devices – Security on your wrist
Navigation: Google Account → Connected Devices (or manage through your Android/Pixel Watch app)
Description: Approve logins, view sign-in attempts, and reset passwords directly from your smartwatch. That is instant security without needing to pull out your phone.
Note: Enable ‘Find My Device’ for your watch and phone so they can be located or erased remotely if lost.
Backup Codes & Digital Access Vault
Navigation: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification → Backup Codes
Description: Google provides 10 backup codes for when you can’t access your phone or 2FA device. Store them securely offline—in your wallet or a password manager, never in phone notes.
Note: Regenerate these codes once a year for maximum security for your Google and Gmail.
Privacy & Security Check-Up Dashboards
Navigation:
- Google Account → Security → Security Check-Up
- Google Account → Data & Privacy → Privacy Check-Up
Description: These dashboards scan your account for vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, unverified devices, missing recovery options, and more. They offer personalised suggestions to improve your online safety.
Note: Run these Google and Gmail check-ups once a month for digital security. Think of them as your ‘Digital Health Check-Up’.
Manage Google Location Sharing
Navigation: Google Maps → Profile → Location Sharing
Description: See who has access to your live location and revoke it anytime. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who share their location for family safety but want control over duration and audience.
The Greatness of Free Digital Security
Google offers what most paid cybersecurity services don’t: All integrated seamlessly across devices, at zero cost.
- Enterprise-grade encryption
- AI-powered phishing detection
- Identity protection alerts
- Automatic malware scans in Drive and Gmail
- Password leak detection
Your Gmail account isn’t just an inbox. It’s your digital identity vault. Every tap inside your Google Account’s Security and Privacy tabs strengthens your shield. So, spend 10 minutes today exploring these settings.
Anil Rachamalla
Founder of End Now Foundation, Internet Ethics & Digital Wellness Expert
End Now Foundation is India’s pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting better internet ethics and digital well-being. With a core mission of advocating for digital safety, we collaborate across sectors to raise awareness and empower communities
