Securing Your YouTube Account from Unauthorized Access

It can be very unsettling to discover that someone is using your YouTube account without your permission. Recently, a user detailed their experience of finding weird videos they did not play in their watch history, leading to a potential compromise. Here’s what you can do to secure your account and prevent further unauthorized access.

Steps to Secure Your YouTube Account

Immediate action is essential when you suspect your account is being used by someone else. Follow these steps to secure your YouTube account:

Change Your Password Again

Ensure that your new password is strong, unique, and not easily guessable. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information that someone could guess, such as your name, birthdate, or common passwords.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. This makes it much harder for someone to access your account without your permission. Here’s how to enable 2FA:

Go to your Google Account settings Under the 'Sign in security' section, click on '2-Step Verification' Follow the prompts to set up 2FA, choosing to enter a verification code sent to your phone or receive a physical key.

Check Account Activity

Regularly check your Activity to see where your data has been accessed from:

Go to your Google Account Click on 'Security' in the left-hand menu Select 'Sign-in activity' and review the recent sign-ins

Remove Unauthorized Devices

Log out any unrecognized devices that have signed into your account:

In the Devices section of your Google Account Sign out any devices you do not recognize.

Review Account Permissions

Ensure that only trusted apps and services have access to your Google Account:

In your Google Account Security, click on 'Connected apps services' Review the permissions and remove any unrecognized apps.

Check Recovery Information

Double-check your recovery details to make sure they cannot be changed by an intruder:

In the Security section of your Google Account Ensure that your recovery phone number and alternate email are correct.

Monitor Your Account

Stay vigilant and monitor your account for any unusual activity, such as new subscriptions or comments:

Continue watching your watch history and comments. Keep an eye on your account for any changes.

Consider Recovery Options

If the problem persists, consider contacting Google Support for further assistance in recovering your account:

Visit Google Support for help in recovering your YouTube account.

Scan for Malware

Ruuning a security scan on your devices can help identify any malware that might be capturing your login information:

Use reliable security software to scan your devices for malware.

By following these steps, you can secure your YouTube account and ensure that unauthorized access does not compromise your digital integrity. Always remain vigilant about your account security in the future.