In case you possess an email account like Gmail or Yahoo, it’s a good idea to ensure that a specific setting is activated in your account settings. This advice comes from the team at Action Fraud, who have recently issued a notification urging everyone to confirm that a security feature known as 2-step verification (2SV) is turned on.
When 2SV is enabled, it adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code or login request to be sent to a secondary device before accessing the account, ensuring that the genuine user is trying to log in.
Action Fraud emphasized the importance of enabling 2SV to protect email accounts from unauthorized access, even if the password is known to potential criminals. This functionality is typically available on major email platforms and is crucial for safeguarding messages from unauthorized access.
To verify if 2SV is activated on Gmail:
– Log into your Google Account, navigate to settings, go to the Security section, and select 2-Step Verification.
– Follow the instructions to enable it, which may involve selecting a second verification step like Google prompts, a phone number, or a security key.
– Once activated, you will receive alerts for any new device login attempts, allowing you to deny access if unauthorized activity is detected.
In addition to Action Fraud, the UK Government’s Stop Think Fraud initiative offers similar guidance, emphasizing the importance of adding an extra layer of security to crucial accounts like email through 2SV. This process can be completed quickly and offers significant protection against fraudsters trying to breach accounts.
Furthermore, the Stop Think Fraud website provides comprehensive guidance for enabling 2SV, which can usually be found in the security settings of online accounts under names like 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). This security feature is widely available across various online services, including email, banking, and social media.