Even though it’s for our own good, we are still struggling to follow classic security recommendations when surfing the Internet. We know how to create a secure password and the best way to avoid IT attacks and theft, but we don’t always put these tips into practice.
To ensure that web users are up-to-date with the latest security measures available, Google has decided to motivate them with a gift: all users who look after the security of their account will receive 2 GBs of storage on Drive.
The initiative, which was launched by the company to celebrate International Safer Internet Day, is actually rather simple:  all anyone needs to do is check the security of their Google account via this website and they’ll get more space on the cloud.
In just a few minutes, users can test the configuration of the two-step verification process, the information necessary to recover the account, and the applications that have permission to access it.
That means that, apart from testing the key elements for a secure account, users will enjoy extra storage space on the cloud. However, it isn’t the only thing that Google has up its sleeve to keep web users safe and interested in their own security.
Locks and question marks
The owners of the popular search engine have decided to be brutal in showing us that not all services are as secure as theirs. As Gmail encrypts the content of sent emails, a small open lock will be shown every time that it isn’t possible to encrypt them, something which will happen when the platform used by the receiver doesn’t permit it.
Also, Gmail will now display a question mark in place of the photo that shows who has sent us an email. It will only do this if it isn’t possible to verify the email address of the person we are talking to.
However, this doesn’t mean that every email that Gmail users receive with the above features will be dangerous, but just that we should take extra caution before opening them.
What’s certain is that Google wants us to take the security of our data more seriously, and this time it’s going to offer us incentives to do so. Just remember, every little bit helps when it comes to staying safe on the Internet.
Panda Security specializes in the development of endpoint security products and is part of the WatchGuard portfolio of IT security solutions. Initially focused on the development of antivirus software, the company has since expanded its line of business to advanced cyber-security services with technology for preventing cyber-crime.
