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This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- your_privacy_google_sites [2025/03/07 09:46] – thesaint
+++ your_privacy_google_sites [2025/03/07 09:51] (current) – thesaint
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 ''UPDATED VERSION''
+===== Google Account & Services Security Guide =====
+This guide provides a step-by-step, idiot-proof process for securing your personal Google account and additional services (Gmail, Google Drive). The objective is to maximize your privacy and security while sharing only the essential information with Google and its partners.
+== Google Account Security ==
+=== 1. Account Security Basics ===
+==== 1.1 Use a Strong, Unique Password ====
+  - **Step 1:** Choose a strong password that is unique to your Google account.
+    - Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
+  - **Step 2:** Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts.
+  - **Step 3:** Utilize a reputable password manager (e.g., LastPass, 1Password) to generate and securely store your passwords.
+==== 1.2 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) ====
+  - **Step 1:** Log in to your Google account and navigate to [https://myaccount.google.com | your Google Account page].
+  - **Step 2:** Click on the **Security** tab.
+  - **Step 3:** Find the **2-Step Verification** option and click **Get Started**.
+  - **Step 4:** Follow the on-screen instructions to set up 2FA using an authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator).
+  - **Step 5:** Save the backup codes in a secure, offline location in case you lose access to your 2FA device.
+=== 2. Secure Your Google Account Settings ===
+==== 2.1 Access Your Google Account ====
+  - **Step 1:** Go to [https://myaccount.google.com].
+  - **Step 2:** Sign in using your secure credentials.
+==== 2.2 Run the Security Checkup ====
+  - **Step 1:** On your account homepage, click on **Security Checkup**.
+  - **Step 2:** Follow the guided process to:
+    - Review recent security events.
+    - Check connected devices.
+    - Identify third-party apps with account access.
+  - **Step 3:** Remove any unfamiliar or unused devices/apps.
+==== 2.3 Manage Third-Party App Access ====
+  - **Step 1:** In the **Security** section, review the list of apps that have access to your account.
+  - **Step 2:** Revoke permissions for any app you no longer use or that seems unnecessary.
+=== 3. Configuring Privacy and Data Settings ===
+==== 3.1 Activity Controls & Data Privacy ====
+  - **Step 1:** Navigate to the **Data & personalization** section in your account.
+  - **Step 2:** Adjust **Activity Controls**:
+    - Disable or limit **Web & App Activity** if you prefer minimal data retention.
+    - Check **Location History** settings – keep it active only if you need location services.
+  - **Step 3:** Consider enabling auto-delete options for your activity data to minimize long-term data storage.
+==== 3.2 Ad Personalization and Data Sharing ====
+  - **Step 1:** In the **Ad Settings** section, adjust your preferences to reduce data sharing.
+  - **Step 2:** Use the **Privacy Checkup** tool to review what data is shared with Google and its partners.
+  - **Step 3:** Opt to share only what is absolutely necessary.
+=== 4. Securely Sharing Your Location with Family ===
+==== 4.1 Using Google Maps for Location Sharing ====
+  - **Step 1:** Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
+  - **Step 2:** Tap your profile picture and select **Location sharing**.
+  - **Step 3:** Enter the email addresses of the family members with whom you wish to share your location.
+  - **Step 4:** Set a time limit for sharing your location if desired, ensuring you only share when necessary.
+==== 4.2 Family Sharing Considerations ====
+  - **Step 1:** Consider setting up a Google Family Group to centralize and simplify location sharing.
+  - **Step 2:** Regularly review the list of family members who have access and adjust as needed.
+  - **Step 3:** Ensure that location sharing is enabled only for the duration required.
+=== 5. Ongoing Best Practices ===
+  - **Step 1:** Regularly update your security settings and run periodic Security Checkups.
+  - **Step 2:** Monitor account activity and be alert for any unusual logins.
+  - **Step 3:** Educate your family members on the importance of strong passwords and enabling 2FA.
+== Securing Additional Google Services ==
+=== Gmail Security ===
+  - **Step 1:** Ensure Gmail uses the same strong password and 2FA settings as your main Google account.
+  - **Step 2:** Log in to Gmail and click the **Settings** (gear icon), then select **See all settings**.
+  - **Step 3:** Under the **Accounts and Import** tab, review and secure:
+    - Connected accounts.
+    - Forwarding addresses.
+  - **Step 4:** Check the **Filters and Blocked Addresses** tab to remove any unnecessary filters.
+  - **Step 5:** Always access Gmail over a secure HTTPS connection.
+=== Google Drive Security ===
+  - **Step 1:** Access Google Drive at [https://drive.google.com].
+  - **Step 2:** Review your **My Drive** and **Shared with me** sections for any files or folders that are shared.
+  - **Step 3:** For each shared file/folder:
+    - Right-click and select **Share**.
+    - Adjust sharing settings to **View Only** when possible.
+  - **Step 4:** Limit sharing with external email addresses unless absolutely necessary.
+  - **Step 5:** Regularly review sharing permissions to ensure only trusted individuals have access.
+=== General Additional Security Tips for Google Services ===
+  - **Step 1:** Regularly review permissions granted to Google and its partners across all services.
+  - **Step 2:** Disable any integrations or sharing settings that are not essential.
+  - **Step 3:** Keep your browsers and apps updated to the latest versions for optimal security.
+  - **Step 4:** Limit data sharing by opting out of unnecessary data collection features whenever possible.
+===== End of Guide =====
+----
 ====== Google Account Security Guide ======