If you use Gmail, there is one change you should make immediately to keep your account secure

If you’re a Gmail user, it’s time to review your account settings. Google has issued a clear warning: to keep your account secure, it’s essential to move beyond traditional passwords and adopt more modern login methods.

With digital attacks on the rise — cybercriminals stole over €14.1 billion just last year — the tech giant is urging users to urgently upgrade their sign-in systems. In particular, Google is pushing for the use of passkeys, a technology that lets users authenticate via fingerprint, facial recognition, or a PIN code.

“We want to eliminate passwords entirely and keep the sign-in process as simple as possible, which is why we strongly recommend modern methods like signing in with Google and passkeys,” said Evan Kotsovinos, Google’s CEO, according to a statement reported by Express.

While younger generations like Gen Z have already embraced these technologies, data shows that over 60% of Gen X and Baby Boomers still use simple passwords — making them an easy target for hackers. Additionally, only 30% of users use secure login methods on a daily basis.

For those not ready to give up passwords completely, Google at least recommends enabling two-step verification, an extra layer of protection that sends a unique code to the user’s phone if someone tries to access their account from an unfamiliar device.

How to activate passkeys:

1. Log into your Google account
2. Go to the “Security” section
3. Select “How you sign in to Google”
4. Click on “Passkeys and security” and follow the steps to set them up

This change not only aims to boost protection against cyberattacks but also to simplify the login process. It’s a necessary transformation in a time when cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated by the day.

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The takeaway is clear: if you’re still using weak or repeated passwords, it’s time to switch to a more secure system. Your Gmail account — and all your personal data — will be far better protected.