Can’t access your Gmail and suspect your account was hacked? Don’t panic. The good news is Google account recovery is possible. But you have to act with lightning speed and laser focus. Keep calm and follow this guide to reclaim what’s rightfully yours and boost your online security!

Before you regain access to your account, Google will need to verify your identity throughout the recovery process. Expect to answer personalized questions based on your account’s security level and the recovery options you previously set up. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure you complete all steps.

1. Go to the Google Account Recovery page or type g.co/recover in your browser’s address bar.
2. Enter your email or phone number and tap “Next.”
3. Provide the last password you remember for your account, then click “Next.”
4. Proceed to answer security questions. If you’re unsure of your response, tap “Try another way” and follow the instructions.
   1. If required, input the verification code sent to your registered phone number. If you have no access to your mobile, click “I don’t have my phone.”
   2. If necessary, provide a secondary email where Google can send updates for your recovery request.
5. When prompted, follow Google’s instructions to reset your password to reclaim your account.

You can help Google confirm your identity by using the trusted device (computer, phone, or tablet) you frequently use to log into the account. Make sure to connect to your usual WiFi network and stay in a location where you typically access the account.

Try not to skip questions. Don’t worry if you answer them incorrectly. Wrong answers won’t block your progress or kick you out of the process. There’s also no limit to the number of attempts you can make to recover the account. So, don’t give up immediately.

Heads up, though! Google might occasionally tweak its account recovery process for better security and convenience. Watch out for updates and follow the instructions.

If your account was compromised but hackers haven’t locked you out yet, your priority should be a password reset. Follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Account and sign in.
2. Choose “Security” from the left menu.
3. Scroll to the “How you sign in to Google” section and select “Change your password.”
4. Provide your current password to verify your identity. Click “Next.”
5. Enter and confirm your new password. Then, tap “Change password.”

Make sure you create a strong password you’ve never used for another account. Choose at least eight characters, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager tool like 1Password, LastPass, or your phone’s built-in keychain services to generate and store complex passwords.

Once you’ve successfully regained control of your account, take steps to strengthen its security. Consider the following:

• Review your Security Checkup page. Follow Google’s recommendations for securing your account. Confirm your connected devices and recent security activities.
• Change your Google account recovery details. Update your contact information, including your recovery email and mobile number.
• Enable two-factor authentication. Once you set up this security measure, anyone accessing your account (yourself included) will undergo a secondary authentication step. You’ll typically need to supply a one-time PIN sent to your phone or a verification code from an authenticator app.
• Save backup codes. Download or print numeric codes you can use to sign in. Find them in the Security section of your account.
• Set up additional sign-in options. Create passkeys for logging in using your fingerprint, face, or screen lock. You can also enable Google prompts, which send a confirmation whenever you sign in using a new device.

Think about it: your email is a gateway to your contacts, social media, e-commerce accounts, and financial transactions. Attackers may have harvested this information and exploited it for other malicious activities. Stay secure with these tips:

• Update security settings on linked accounts. Check all other apps and accounts and review recent activities. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication. For instance, if you've used your Gmail to create an account on Amazon, go to your Amazon account settings and navigate to the "Login & Security" section. Here, review your registered devices, manage your passwords, and set up two-factor authentication.
• Secure your financial accounts, including mobile wallets like GCash. Reset passwords and update security info immediately. Don’t hesitate to contact your banks to check for unauthorized transactions or changes in your account details.
• Inform your contacts about the incident. Advise them to stay alert in case attackers impersonate you and send scams or phishing attempts.
• Install a more secure browser, like Google Chrome. You can also use Password Alert, a Chrome extension to protect you against phishing attacks.
• Update the antivirus software on your computer. Run a full scan as soon as you’ve recovered your Google Account.
• Report to the authorities. Forward spam and scam messages sent through mobile to Globe’s #StopSPAM page. Alternatively, submit complaints through the National Telecommunications Commission report page.

All hope is not lost! Just stay calm as you take the necessary steps to Google Account recovery. And ensure you have a reliable internet connection, like a GFiber Plan or a GFiber Prepaid WiFi, to act swiftly. You can also learn more about cybersecurity efforts to stay protected from future threats. Don’t wait another day to implement the necessary safeguards!