You can strengthen your Google Account's security and privacy by changing five important settings. Learn which settings you should change immediately.

(This Google setting should be changed immediately.)

Nowadays, a Google Account isn't just about running Gmail. Google Photos, Drive, YouTube, Contacts, and many other services are linked to this single account. If your Google Account's security settings are weak, everything from your personal information to your important files could be at risk. Fortunately, by changing a few key settings, your account's security can be significantly strengthened.

Make sure to turn on 2-Step Verification.

The most important setting for keeping your Google Account secure is 2-Step Verification. Once activated, you can't log in to your account using just your password. Additional verification is required during login. This makes it difficult for someone to gain direct access to your account even if they know your password.

Do a security checkup.

Google Account offers a Security Checkup option, where you can check several aspects of your account's security. This includes checking which devices are logged in to your account, which apps or services are linked to your Google Account, and whether there's been any suspicious activity. If you see an unfamiliar device, it's best to sign it out of your account immediately.

Avoid old and weak passwords.

If your Google Account password is old or you've used it on other websites, it's time to change it. Using the same password multiple times could put your Google Account at risk if another website's data is leaked. Keep your passwords guessable and use different passwords for different services.

Check access to third-party apps.

Many times, we grant permission to an app or website to sign in with our Google Account and then forget about it. Periodically, check your Google Account to see which third-party apps have access to your account. Remove access from apps or websites you no longer use. This can reduce the risk of unnecessary data access.

Keep your recovery phone and email updated.

Your Google Account's recovery phone number and recovery email address are crucial. They're the key to recovering your account if you forget your password or encounter any other issues. Therefore, make sure to verify that the recovery phone number is your current number and that your recovery email address is one you use regularly.