In a recent alert from Action Fraud, email users are urged to ensure they have activated 2-step verification (2SV) in their email account settings. This security feature requires a secondary verification step, such as a code or login request to be sent to a secondary device, before accessing the account.
Enabling 2SV adds an extra layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to accounts even if the password is known. It is recommended that users on major email platforms activate this feature to safeguard their messages from potential breaches.
To check if 2SV is enabled in Gmail:
– Log in to your Google Account and access settings.
– Navigate to the Security section and select 2-Step Verification.
– Follow the prompts to enable 2SV, which may involve choosing a second verification method like Google prompts, a phone number, or a security key.
– Once activated, users will receive alerts for any login attempts from new devices, allowing them to deny access and detect potential hacking activities.
In addition to Action Fraud’s advice, the UK Government’s Stop Think Fraud website also emphasizes the importance of 2SV for enhanced account protection. The website explains that this security feature can be easily activated within minutes and is commonly found in account security settings under names like 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).
2SV is widely available for various online services, including email, banking, and social media platforms. Users can refer to the Stop Think Fraud website for detailed guidance on enabling 2SV and taking proactive measures against potential fraud attempts.
