Google has raised security concerns around attacks mostly targeted at Gmail accounts and made recommendations for safety.
In a blog posted on 4 June, the company revealed that scams are on the increase, with 61% of a surveyed population reporting scams by email.
This calls for more caution with sign-in credentials and other details that can expose users to scammers.
Security practices by generations
While all internet users are prone to attacks from scammers, different generations prefer different methods for securing their accounts.
For example, Google says most people, including Generation X, Baby Boomers and many Millennials still rely on older sign-in methods like passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Only about 30% of them use newer, more convenient methods such as social sign-in using their google accounts, showing a reluctance in embracing new ways of signing in.
In contrast, most Gen Z users and millennials who are digitally native show a preference for the new sign-in methods.
They now rely on passkeys or social sign-ins which are easier. Google encourages the use of these newer methods because they’re not only easier to use, but are also more secure than the older methods such as passwords.
What to do
To ensure that your Gmail doesn’t get attacked easily, it is advisable to try out newer sign up methods which are also easier to maintain.
They also ensure that you have fewer accounts to maintain online, which reduces the number of targets that scammers can use to get you.
However, if you would rather stick with passwords, it is better to use additional layers of security to make it more difficult for scammers to crack your account.
These include 2-Step Verification (2SV), the Google Authenticator App and Google Password Manager, which serve as a second line of defense.
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