Google India announces public safety initiative — #SecurityCheckKiya

With an objective to create awareness around Internet Safety and reiterate its efforts to protect netizens, Google India announced its public safety initiative — #SecurityCheckKiya. Targeted at young and first-time web users, Google is asking people this Safer Internet Day to take three simple yet important actions to protect themselves from account hijacking, safeguard their Android mobile devices from malicious apps and secure all their personal data if they lose their device.

With a large base of unsuspecting first time Internet users now coming online through easy access modes but lacking technical literacy, Indian users are increasingly vulnerable to bad actors and abuse on the web. Taking these three simple steps can help everyone start their journey towards internet safety and safeguard their online experience.

Speaking about Google’s internet safety efforts in India, Sunita Mohanty, Director, Trust & Safety, said “Just like in the physical world where we are careful about the information we share with strangers, safeguard our house by keeping doors locked, and think twice before accepting things from unknown people, users in India should take precautions while engaging with the online world. While security is built into all of Google services, keeping the web safe for everyone is a shared responsibility. We want everyone to become good Digital Citizens – which essentially means being a responsible and respectful user of the Internet. Through our initiative, we want to nudge internet users to take action to safeguard themselves, because the first step to a safer internet starts with them. We are asking users to get started on their journey by securing their data and devices, by asking them #SecurityCheckKiya.”

Google will make this information available on it’s homepage www.google.co.in, encouraging users to take the first step of Security Check on Safer Internet Day i.e. 6th February 2018, and promote the message across social to drive larger participation.

Three-step action to stay safe on the web:

Step 1: For all Android Devices & Gmail Users

Security Check: Review your security settings and Google account activity with one click

• Google Security check helps you to automatically scan for any vulnerability and guides you to keep your account safe in few minutes
  • On desktop, go to My Account > Under Sign-in & Security > Run Security Check
  • On mobile, visit your Gmail App, tap  > Settings > tap ID > My Account Under Sign-in & Security > Run Security Check 

Step 2: For all Android Mobile Devices

Google Play Protect: Scan and check your Android device for any harmful apps

• Google Play Protect scans all apps for malware before and after you install them and is automatically enabled on your device:
  • Open your device’s Google Play Store app
  • Tap Menu  > Play Protect icon
• Alternatively, you can also go to your
  • Phone Settings > Security & Location > Google Play Protect

Step 3: For all Android Mobile Devices

Download Find My Device App

• Find My Device app from Google helps you to easily locate a lost Android device, and keeps your device and information secure.
• Visit android.com/find to locate, ring, lock and erase your Android devices—phones, tablets, and even watches.