Google said on Tuesday that its email service would provide advanced security protection for some high-risk users such as government officials and journalists who are usually targeted by hackers.
Gmail already provides two-step verification for everybody, making it harder to remotely hack into emails even if hackers crack passwords. But users are proved to be vulnerable to phishing attacks, seemingly legitimate emails that ask users to click on a link that immediately takes over the account or a device altogether.
The new security measures rolled out by Gmail will include measures against such phishing attacks. Gmail account of John Podesta, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s chief campaign manager, was hacked last year and is believed to have an impact on the outcome of 2016 presidential elections.
Google will constantly update the security protection of accounts to prevent emerging threats. The company said it would provide three defenses against security threats.
Gmail will also make it more difficult to recover accounts since hackers usually pretend to have been locked out and try to gain access through the account recovery process. Google will require additional reviews and requests.