Google Users Get 12-Step Account Security Guide With 2-Factor, Recovery Contacts and Selfie Verification
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Oct 9
Google Users Get 12-Step Account Security Guide With 2-Factor, Recovery Contacts and Selfie Verification
3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Oct 9
Summary
Google account users were urged to spend about 10 minutes tightening security through 12 steps spanning sign-in protection, recovery options, connected apps, devices and long-term account planning.
The first priorities are a strong unique password, two-factor authentication and updated recovery phone and email details, with SMS codes discouraged because they are easier to hijack.
Google’s newer recovery tools add a selfie-video identity check and Recovery Contacts, which let a trusted person help verify a locked-out user without gaining access to account data.
The guide also tells users to remove unused third-party app access, sign out old devices, review Android app permissions and limit browser extension access—especially broad 'all sites' permissions.
For higher-risk users, Google points to its Advanced Protection Program, which requires a physical security key on new devices and sharply limits third-party app connections.