How to find out if your Google account has been Breached

A Google Account is the key to access all Google Product which is very handy to but it’s biggest disadvantages is in the the case of breaded of your Google Account that could lead all your data linked through Google’s Product and services in hand of Hackers using Google’s two factor authentication is the best way to keep secure your all information safe and secure.

Recently The Gooligan malware attack targeting Android devices has infected more than a million Google accounts and growing by 13,000 new users a day. It affects devices running Android 4 (Jelly Bean, KitKat) and Android 5 (Lollipop), according to Check Point.

Gooligan spreads via apps from third-party app stores and malicious links in phishing attack messages. It downloads a rootkit to steal authentication tokens to breach data from Google Play, Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, G Suite, Google Drive and other programs. It also installs app that can steal your account information to post fake ratings and reviews to raise the profile of these apps.

10 Easy Steps

To find out if your Google account has been breached, you can follow these steps:

Check Google’s Security Page: Visit the Google Security page at myaccount.google.com/security. This page provides a security checkup that can alert you to any potential issues with your account, such as unusual sign-in activity or access from unknown devices.
Review Recent Activity: Look at your recent account activity. Google provides a feature where you can see devices that have accessed your account, their locations, and times of access. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, it could be a sign of a breach.
Change Your Password: If you suspect a breach, change your password immediately. Use a strong, unique password that you haven’t used on any other site.
Set up 2-Step Verification: This adds an extra layer of security to your account. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without also having access to your phone or another second step.
Check Third-Party Access: Look at the list of third-party apps that have access to your Google account. If you see any apps that you don’t recognize or no longer use, it’s a good idea to revoke their access.
Review Security Alerts: Google may send security alerts to your email or phone if they detect suspicious activity. Make sure to review these alerts and take any recommended actions.
Use Google’s Account Recovery: If you can’t access your account, use Google’s account recovery process. This can help you regain control if the account has been compromised.
Regularly Update Your Recovery Information: Make sure your recovery email and phone number are up to date. This information is crucial if you need to recover your account.
Monitor Your Emails for Breach Notifications: Sometimes, breaches are reported by external sources. Keep an eye on your email for any notifications of data breaches involving Google accounts.
Use a Trusted Security Software: Consider using security software on your devices to protect against malware and hacking attempts.

Why and How Google account can been Breached

Google accounts can be breached for various reasons, often due to security vulnerabilities on the user’s side rather than Google’s infrastructure. Here are some common reasons why Google accounts can be breached, and how these breaches typically occur:

Weak Passwords: If you use a simple or commonly used password, it’s easier for hackers to guess it using brute force attacks.
Phishing Attacks: Hackers might send you emails that look like they’re from Google, asking you to enter your login details on a fake sign-in page. This method is used to steal your credentials.
Third-Party App Compromises: If you grant access to your Google account to third-party apps, and one of these apps is compromised, hackers could potentially gain access to your account.
Reuse of Passwords Across Different Services: If you use the same password for multiple services and one of these services is breached, hackers could try the same password on your Google account.
Keyloggers or Spyware: Malware on your device can record your keystrokes, including your Google account password, and send this information back to the hacker.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Using unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your information to hackers who are monitoring the network.
Lack of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Without 2FA, your account relies solely on the strength of your password. 2FA adds an additional layer of security.
Social Engineering: Hackers might use information gathered from other sources about you to answer security questions or to trick you or others into giving them access.
Data Breaches from Other Sites: If another site where you have an account is breached, and you use the same or similar login details, hackers might gain access to your Google account.
Lack of Regular Security Reviews: Not reviewing and updating your account’s security settings regularly can leave vulnerabilities unnoticed.

About Check Point

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., the largest pure-play security vendor globally, provides industry-leading solutions, and protects customers from cyberattacks with an unmatched catch rate of malware and other types of attacks.

Check Point offers a complete security architecture defending enterprises’ networks to mobile devices, in addition to the most comprehensive and intuitive security management. Check Point first pioneered the industry with FireWall-1 and its patented stateful inspection technology.

Conclusion

Our gmail account contains lots of personal and confidential information , even though Google notifies its user int he case of sign in from different location or from different device but it is our responsibility to monitor our gmail account on equal interval of time.