What could be compromised if your Google account is hacked? Here’s how to perform a Security Checkup.

A Google account isn't limited to just Gmail; it can contain vital information such as your photos, Drive files, contacts, and saved passwords. Consequently, the damage resulting from a hacked account can be significant.

Many essential services on your phone are linked to your Google account. Services like Gmail, Google Photos, Drive, Contacts, and Google Password Manager may store your personal and critical data. Therefore, if someone else gains access to your Google account, the issue extends far beyond just your emails; your other information could also be at risk.

This is why monitoring your Google account's security is crucial. Google offers specific security settings that allow you to view suspicious account activity and enhance security by removing access for unrecognized devices or apps. Let’s explore what could be compromised if your Google account is hacked and how to perform a Security Checkup.

What could be compromised if your Google account is hacked?

If someone gains access to your Google account, information beyond just Gmail—such as Google Photos, Drive, Contacts, and saved passwords—could be at risk. Additionally, apps and websites where you have signed in using your Google account could also be vulnerable.

How do you perform a Google Security Checkup?

Google’s Security Checkup feature consolidates essential account security information in one place. To check your Google account's security, open the Google Security Checkup page in your phone or computer browser and sign in to your account. Google will then display your account's security status.

Here, you can view which devices are logged into your account, check if Two-Step Verification is enabled, see which third-party apps and websites have access to your Google account, and verify if your recovery phone number and email are up to date. If you spot any unrecognized devices, apps, or security issues, you can make the necessary changes right there to revoke access.

Essential ways to keep your Google account secure

1. Immediately change passwords that are weak, reused, or compromised in data breaches, and use a unique, strong password for each account.

2. Recovery phone numbers and email addresses are crucial if you forget your password or get locked out of your account; therefore, keep these details up to date.

3. Enabling 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) adds an extra layer of verification alongside your password during login, thereby enhancing account security.

4. Periodically review third-party apps and websites linked to your Google account and revoke access for those you no longer need.

5. Regularly check settings such as passwords, recovery information, 2FA, and app access to quickly detect any suspicious changes.