Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

How to protect your Google Account with the Advanced Protection Program

1 of 17 NEXT PREV
  • Google Advanced Protection Program

    Google Advanced Protection Program

    To learn more about Google Advanced Protection Program, as well as to kick off the activation process, head over to https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/.

    The process takes about 15 minutes (assuming you already have the hardware, if not, you'll need to wait for them to arrive) so this isn't something to do when you're in a rush, on a deadline, or heading out the door on a business trip. You will also need to log in with all your devices as the process will revoke access to your accounts for all your devices.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • You will need two hardware keys

    You will need two hardware keys

    You will need one wireless Bluetooth key, and a second USB backup key. I recommend buying the pack that Google offers. While you can use USB authentication keys for the process, you won't be able to use them to log into your account with mobile devices, which means that you will run into all sorts of headaches.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Get the hardware you need

    Get the hardware you need

    Google offers you a link to buy the hardware you need. If the pack is sold out (as it was in the UK at the time of writing), you can usually still find the two keys sold separately.

    Once you have the keys, you're ready to begin.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • First, log in with your username and password

    First, log in with your username and password

    This is to prove to Google that you are indeed you.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Register the two security keys

    Register the two security keys

    Now you need to go through the process of registering the two security keys.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Get your first security key ready

    Get your first security key ready

    The process of registering the keys is simple enough and you'll be guided through each step.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Almost done...

    Almost done...

    Just follow the on-screen prompts.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Give the key a name

    Give the key a name

    The name is just so you know which was used to log into your account. Give it something memorable.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • That's one key done

    That's one key done

    That process only took seconds. Now onto the second key.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • This is the same as for the first key

    This is the same as for the first key

    First, get it ready...

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Registering the second key

    Registering the second key

    ... plug it in and tap the button on it ... 

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Almost done

    Almost done

    Finally, give it a name.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • That's the security hardware registered

    That's the security hardware registered

    The process of registering the security keys should only take you a couple of minutes. 

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Turn on Advanced Protection

    Turn on Advanced Protection

    Are you sure you want to turn on Advanced Protection? You can still back out at this stage.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Read through all the small print

    Read through all the small print

    Before clicking on that "Turn On" button, I suggest that you read, and then reread what activating it entails. Remember, you'll be logged out of your account on all your devices and you'll need to go through the process of logging back in everywhere.

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • Last chance!

    Last chance!

    Even after clicking 'Turn On," you get one final chance to abort the process. 

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

  • And you're done

    And you're done

    And you're done! Well, not exactly, because you need to log back into your account on all your other devices. But you now have all the benefits of Google's Advanced Protection Program securing your account. 

    Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

    Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 17 NEXT PREV
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT) | Topic: Security

  • Google Advanced Protection Program
  • You will need two hardware keys
  • Get the hardware you need
  • First, log in with your username and password
  • Register the two security keys
  • Get your first security key ready
  • Almost done...
  • Give the key a name
  • That's one key done
  • This is the same as for the first key
  • Registering the second key
  • Almost done
  • That's the security hardware registered
  • Turn on Advanced Protection
  • Read through all the small print
  • Last chance!
  • And you're done

If you want to beef up the security on your Google Account, then the Advanced Protection Program those at risk of targeted attacks – such as journalists, activists, business leaders, and political campaign teams – is for you. Here's how to enable the Google Advanced Protection Program.

Read More Read Less

Google Advanced Protection Program

To learn more about Google Advanced Protection Program, as well as to kick off the activation process, head over to https://landing.google.com/advancedprotection/.

The process takes about 15 minutes (assuming you already have the hardware, if not, you'll need to wait for them to arrive) so this isn't something to do when you're in a rush, on a deadline, or heading out the door on a business trip. You will also need to log in with all your devices as the process will revoke access to your accounts for all your devices.

Published: June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT)

Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

1 of 17 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Security Google Security TV Data Management CXO Data Centers
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes for Hardware 2.0 | June 12, 2019 -- 10:02 GMT (03:02 PDT) | Topic: Security

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • iVerify: Added security for iPhone and iPad users

    I'm usually wary of security apps, but iVerify by Trail of Bits is different. It comes highly recommended and offers a lot of features in a small download. ...

  • iStorage datAshur BT hardware encrypted flash drive

    FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliant storage drive with wireless unlock feature and remote management. IP57 rated for dust and water resistance.

  • Netgear BR200 small-business router

    The Netgear BR200 Insight Managed Business Router has been designed to be easy to set up, and features a built-in firewall, VLAN management, and remote cloud monitoring, and can be ...

  • YubiKey 5C NFC: The world’s first security key to feature dual USB-C and NFC connections

    The YubiKey 5C NFC can be used across a broad range of platforms -- iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux -- and on any mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer that supports USB-C ...

  • Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC

    The new Aegis Secure Key 3NXC builds on Apricorn's Secure Key 3z and Aegis Secure Key 3NX, taking the same proven form-factor and physical keypad, and adding something that users have ...

  • YubiKey 5Ci Clear Limited Edition

    Transparency in security.

  • Certo AntiSpy iPhone Spyware Detection

    Certo AntiSpy is not an app. Instead, it is a utility that you download and install on a Windows or Mac, and you use that to scan a backup of your iOS or iPadOS for subtle signs of intrusion. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums