In today’s episode, we’re talking about how Google is going to require a two-factor authentication to login to your Google accounts. Even if you don’t use Gmail or Google Workspace for your primary email, you may have set up a Google account to claim your Google My Business listing, create a YouTube channel, a Google Analytics account or an AdWords account.
You need to protect yourself, and the 2-step verification puts an extra barrier between your business and cybercriminals who try to steal usernames and passwords to access your business data. Listen and learn more about it.
Links in this episode: Google is about to turn on two-factor authentication by default for millions of users
Transcript
Welcome to the Get Digital Marketing Results podcast where we give you information and actionable tips to grow your organization.
Bob: Hi, I’m Bob Clark.
Donna: And I’m Donna Botti. We’re with Delos Inc and we make the web work for you. In today’s Tech News Tuesday episode we’re talking about how Google is going to require two-factor authentication to login to your Google Accounts, and they’re going to turn it on automatically. You’ll have to sign in to your account in two steps with something you know, like your password, and something you have, like your phone where you’ll get a text message or notification.
Bob: That’s right Donna. Although this seems annoying for some people, the 2-step verification does put an extra barrier between your business and cybercriminals who try to steal usernames and passwords to access your business data. It is the single most important action you can take to protect your business.
Donna: Even if you don’t use Gmail or Google Workspace for your primary email, many of you may have set up a Google account to claim your Google My Business listing, create a YouTube channel, a Google Analytics account or an AdWords account. Do you know the password and what the recovery phone number on this account is?
Bob: Google has been reminding us of this 2-step verification plan for a while now, and they’re saying that it will enable two-factor for 150 million accounts by the end of this year.
Donna: So the important takeaway for you before this happens, is that you need to check your accounts now to ensure that you can get in and that you verify the recovery phone number and email that are on the account. Over the years, we have worked with many clients who do not know who owned their Google accounts and their claimed listings.
Bob: That’s right, maybe a web developer set something up years ago, or a summer intern created the Google account, or in some cases a disgruntled employee left the company and ignored all requests for access to your information.
Donna: The bottom line is this. Your web presence is a valuable part of your business. Treat it like you would your bank account information. Know where all your accounts are, how to access them, and who else has access. Not just your Google account, but your domain name, your website, social media and other claimed listings as well.
Bob: That’s it for today’s episode. You can find a link to the article on this topic and a transcript of today’s podcast, at DelosInc.com/212.
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