Just as you lock your doors at night, securing your online accounts is crucial, especially your Google account, the gateway to your emails, photos, videos, and more. Regularly reviewing logged-in devices can protect you from hackers, or even unwanted snooping from someone you know. This article guides you through identifying and removing any suspicious devices connected to your Google account, both on PC and mobile.
Identifying Unfamiliar Devices on Your PC
Protecting your Google account starts with knowing which devices have access. Follow these steps to review device activity on your computer:
- Open any Google service in your browser (e.g., Google Search, Gmail).
- Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage your Google Account”.
- In the left-hand menu, click “Security”.
- Scroll down to “Your devices” and click “Manage all devices”.
Carefully examine the list of logged-in devices. If you encounter any unfamiliar entries, click on them and select the “Sign out” button at the top of the information screen.
Info for device logged into Google account
Reviewing Device Access on Your Mobile Device
Managing your account security is equally important on your phone. Here’s how to check logged-in devices using the Google app:
- Open the Google app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Manage your Google Account”.
- Tap the “Security” tab at the top.
- Scroll down to “Your devices” and tap “Manage all devices”.
Scrutinize the list of devices. If any seem unfamiliar, tap for more details. To remove access, tap the “Sign out” button near the top of the device information.
Enhancing Security: Managing Linked Apps and Services
While unfamiliar devices pose a significant threat, third-party services linked to your Google account also require attention. Abandoned apps or services can be vulnerable to hackers, potentially granting them access to your data. Similarly, compromised Google accounts can be used to reactivate linked third-party services for malicious purposes. Regularly reviewing and removing unnecessary linked apps is another important step in securing your Google account.
Conclusion
Taking proactive steps to monitor and control device access to your Google account is vital for maintaining your online security. Regularly reviewing logged-in devices and managing linked apps can significantly reduce your risk of unauthorized access and protect your valuable data. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Google account remains secure and only authorized individuals have access.
