Get Stronger Account Security with the Advanced Protection Program

Advanced Protection is recommended for anyone who is targeted via online attacks such as journalists, activists, business leaders,  IT admins, public figures and the like.

How Advanced Protection Works

Advanced Protection uses security keys to help protect emails, documents, contacts, or other personal data. Even if a hacker has your password, they won’t be able to get access to your account without your security key. A security key is to provide authorization and accessibility that helps you in signing into your account, phone, tablet, or computer. You can also use the built-in security key in an iPhone running iOS 10+ or Android 7+ devices. You need security keys only when you sign in for the first time into an account, computer, browser, or device. After that, it will only be asked for your password.

With Phone’s Built-in Security Key

If you have a smartphone running Android 7.0 or higher, then you can use the built-in security key to turn on Advanced Protection.

If you enroll in Advanced Protection, don’t change the password or remove your phone from the list of your trusted devices until you’ve added at least one backup security key to your Google Account. Make sure you signed in to your Google Account on Chrome on your computer, Chromebook, iPhone or iPad. If you have more than one Android phone, choose one to enroll in Advanced Protection.  Add or purchase an additional backup security key. To avoid being locked out of your account, we highly recommend that you purchase one or more backup security keys.

With Two Physical Security Keys

If you don’t have an Android phone with a built-in security key, you can purchase your security keys first and then enroll in Advanced Protection. You should purchase security keys that go with the devices you will use to turn on Advanced Protection by following the instructions. To use security keys with any devices, a Bluetooth key must first be added to your Google Account. Then, you can download the  Smart Lock app in order to use your security key to sign in to your Google Account on your iPhone or iPad.

Decide if Advanced Protection is Right for You

Advanced Protection is Google’s strongest account security, comes with some restrictions on your account:  You need your security key to sign in on any new device. To read your email, you can use Gmail. You can also create a code to use the iOS Mail app with your Google Account. You won’t be able to use your Google Account with some other apps & services that require access to sensitive data like your emails and Google Drive. In the same way, hackers won’t have access to your personal Google data. You can create a security code to use some iPhone and iPad apps with your Google Account. If you lose access to your account, recover your account will require extra steps.

Secure Your Account without Advanced Protection

If you decide that Advanced Protection isn’t right for you, you can still take steps to make your account way more secure by using a strong password, not sharing the password with anyone, not opening links from unknown sources and so on. Additionally, you can get in touch with our technical experts for guidance.