5 Tips to Secure Gmail

These days Google accounts hold vital role in our day to day life. We use them to get registered at multiple websites, receive bank statements as well as to shop online. Especially Gmail is widely used in India.According to camscore reports.

Credit : camscoredatamine.com

However, very few of us use security enhancement options offered by Gmail. Thus, we leave opportunity for hackers to invade into our personal space. 

Here are 5 points that you must consider to make your Gmail secure.

1)Enable https://

Figure 1.1

On internet whenever you visit a website, its server communicates with your web browser using specific set of standards called Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).In simple language can say that it is a language used by server and your web browser to talk to each other. However, this language can be sniffed and interpreted by hackers to see what is communicated between your web browser and the server.

 HTTPS means ‘HTTP + SSL’ (Hypertext Transfer Protocol + Secure Sockets Layer). HTTPS is used to ensure website’s identity and to encrypt communication between your web browser and the server. So, no one can read what your web browser and the server is communicating, thus making your credit card numbers and passwords secured.

To change settings of your Gmail account use ‘gear like’ button on top right corner of your Gmail screen. Look for Browser connection under General settings and select Always use https option.

Figure 1.2

2) Enable 2-way verification

Very few of us are actually using this innovative feature offered by Google. It adds another security layer to Gmail sign in process by asking you to add a verification code for every sing in attempt. You can opt to receive this verification code either through a text message, a voice call or by using Google’s authentication app. 

Here is setup to enable 2-way verification for Gmail.

3) Track your account activity 

Gmail lets you track your activity and keep an eye on when , where and by using which device your Gmail account was last accessed! You can view these ‘Details’ from the Bottom right corner of your Gmail screen. 

Figure 1.3

Often check this activity log to trace any suspicious happenings with your Gmail. Figure 1.4 shows the details.

4) Logging out from other Gmail sessions

Sometimes ease of accessing Gmail using your friend’s or relative’s laptop or desktop can expose it to various security threats if we forget to sign out properly. Make sure to use Gmail’s Sign out all other sessions button from activity log.

Figure 1.4

5) Due to vast availability of Wi-Fi hubs in public places like airports and hotels people are usually tempted to check mails. Your laptop or tablet’s data can be compromised by packet-sniffing software when accessed through such public hotspots. So, it is wise to avoid such temptation and not to use public wi-fi hotspots.

Apart from these five points primary precautions like using proper passwords by combining alphabets and numbers must be used. I hope this effort of mine will help you enhance security of Gmail.

Fingerless gloves crochet pattern

Hi!

I have been pinning a lot of crochet patterns these days however; I end up creating very few of them :( . Pinterest addiction is dragging me into another addiction of expanding my yarn stash!

Last week I tried my hands on crocheting finger-less gloves for my kids and it turned out best ever winter gifts for them. I found a super easy and free pattern at crochetspot.com . It was really quick to work on this project. I have made these gloves especially to match with their school uniform.

My little one is 6 and finding it so comfy that he is not willing to take it off even after school hours. He is asking me to make another fancy pair of gloves to ware at home. 

For the elder one, being able to write while wearing these gloves is a major plus point!

I am planning to make one lacy fingerless gloves for myself too once I finish my current crochet project scalloped scarf!

Wish you a very happy Monday!

Remember that ‘LIKE’ button is linked to your profile!

Hi again!

If you have a Facebook account you must have found at least one of your childhood friend with whom you were not in touch for many years! Thanks to the biggest social networking site on the planet that helped you find and reconnect with old friends.

I would love to share an interesting Infographis about Facebook statistics 2012 with you. According to this India is one of the fastest growing Facebook country! 

Facebook Statistics 2012

I thought of writing a post about ‘LIKE’ button of Facebook. 

Facebook collects much more information about all of us. A single click on Facebook ‘LIKE’ button can trigger many real life consequences. Here is a list of five things that one should know about ‘LIKE’ button.

•      How ‘LIKE’ button is used by brands and products !

Do you know...

When you click on LIKE button on any Facebook page it will be reflected on your friend’s news feed. Thus, your friends will know that you like a particular page.

Mostly, people do this just to show what brand of shoes, cloths or even soaps they have recently purchased and liked.

However,

True meaning of clicking a LIKE button on any Facebook page goes like this...

‘You are willing read and stay updated with everything that is posted on that page. Facebook Page could be about a brand, a product, a business or an interest! Thus, all those who have liked a facebook page of any particular brand end up seeing their own news feed with all the promotional updates from those brands.’

Infect, most of the times we see advertises in the right panel along with a list of our friends who have already liked a page. Thus, encouraging you to consider and like the page!

•    LIKE’ button collects your information

There exist many Facebook pages about awareness on specific diseases or treatments. Be mindful before liking them because unknowingly you are providing data that insurance companies may use against you!

•  ‘LIKE’ button can put you in embarrassing situations

Many a times clicking on ‘LIKE’ button can create embarrassing situations especially for those condolence messages, RIP status updates or earthquake news updates.

• ‘LIKE’ button can catch lies!

 Don’t be surprised to discover...One of your friend who you knew as a pure vegetarian has liked a Facebook page about Chicken recipes! Or one of your relative you knew doesn't drink has liked a brand page of a best selling alcohol!

 ‘LIKE’ button can really help you find like minded people

From your profile page try to access your own ‘likes’. Facebook can help you find who else from your friend list share your interest. When I liked a page on ‘Alchemist  by Paulo Coelho’ I was thrilled to know that few of my cousins also liked it!

Facebook has become a place where  you can have your boss, clients, relatives, childhood friends, neighbours and ex-colleagues around. Someone’s good laugh can become an insult for the other one. So, be mindful before clicking that ‘LIKE’ button.