Google India launches three-step security feature to protect data, devices

Millions of people are getting online each month, many of them for the very first time are vulnerable to data theft and hacking. To protect these young and first-time web users Google India has launched initiative #SecurityCheckKiya, a three-step security feature.

"We know that keeping your information safe and private is important to you, which is why we’ve baked security features into all our products. We’ve also developed technologies to help keep the broader internet safe, too," said Google India in its blog post.

Keep your logins close, your passwords closer, and your data closest. This #SaferInternetDay, if your answer to #SecurityCheckKiya is no, complete these 3 steps to do so. https://t.co/7yspEUDged pic.twitter.com/FBQZdecPnd

— Google India (@GoogleIndia) February 5, 2018

Indian users are increasingly vulnerable to bad actors and abuse on the web. The tools will help keep users data safe while using Gmail, Android, YouTube, and browsing the web, the company added.

The search behemoth will also post the information on its homepage. On February 6, the Internet world will celebrate Safer Internet Day.

"We are asking users to get started on their journey by securing their data and devices by asking them #SecurityCheckKiya," Sunita Mohanty, India Lead, Trust & Safety, Google was quoted in a report by IANS via News18.

To protect account hijacking, all Android devices and Gmail users can review their security settings and Google account activity with one click "Google Security". This automatically scans for any vulnerability and guides users to keep their account safe.

To safeguard Android devices from malicious apps, users can scan and check devices for any harmful apps through Google Play Protect. Google Play Protect scans all apps for malware before and after you install them and is automatically enabled on your device.

Last week, in a major crackdown to counter malicious or bad apps, Google had removed such 700,000 apps from its Play Store platform in 2017. It kept tens of thousands of apps with inappropriate content (pornography, extreme violence, hate, and illegal activities) out of the Play Store.

In late January Google’s parent company Alphabet has launched a security company named Chronicle. It is reported to predict and deflect cyberattacks before they reach corporate data, acting as a digital immune system for the enterprise.

Besides, the company eyes to boost Google-powered smartphone sales in India and has also reportedly planning to open experience centres in 2018. It has also hired a senior Apple executive to lead its plan

Recently, Google in collaboration with Larsen and Turbo, had installed 150 Google Station hotspots in Pune to provide free Wi-Fi service.