Gmail and Yahoo users urged to enhance account security

Security experts are warning Gmail and Yahoo users about increasing cyber threats. Hackers are targeting online accounts, particularly email and social media, putting millions of users at risk. In 2024, UK consumers reported over 35,000 incidents of fraud, which is a significant rise from the previous year. Nearly £1 million was stolen from victims by these scams. Adam Mercer, Deputy Director of Action Fraud, explained that hacking of social media and email accounts is the most reported type of cybercrime this year. He urged users to take immediate steps to protect themselves. One major concern is account impersonation, where scammers pretend to be account owners. A common scam involves sending fake messages that trick people into sending money to someone they think is a family member. Another serious threat comes from phishing scams, where hackers obtain personal information through fake emails or leaked data. This can give them direct access to someone’s email account. To help safeguard against these threats, experts recommend enabling two-step verification. This added security requires a code sent to a separate device to access accounts. It is also crucial to use unique and strong passwords for email accounts. Instead of simple words, users should mix in numbers and symbols. For instance, a password like "liverpool" can become "L1ver_Po@l" by making simple changes. The warning also comes from Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram. They emphasize the importance of two-factor authentication to protect users. Meta is also introducing facial recognition technology to help users regain access to hacked accounts. Users are encouraged to report suspicious emails to help combat these scams. By working together, people can reduce the risk of becoming victims of online fraud.