This means there was a suspicious login from some other location and device than the usual ones. Google’s algorithms are strong and secure enough to realize this. Hence, they stop the sign-in and send you an email citing that the “sign-in attempt was prevented”. Interestingly, when you sign in to any third-party application which Google may deem suspicious for some reason, your sign-in is prevented. While connecting to the Gmail servers with SMTP authentication may fail. Then google sent a sign-in attempt prevented email. Also Read- How To Remove Google Redirect Virus from Android
1. Can the Sign-in Attempt Prevented Email be Fake?
While you may not know, sometimes the Sign-in attempt prevented email can be fake. This means Google won’t send you the mail. Instead, it would be sent by some hackers. Unsuspecting and non-tech-savvy users usually fall for the trap. This is popularly known as a phishing attack or phishing email.
- Can the Sign-in Attempt Prevented Email be Fake?1.1 How to Deal With Spam Phishing Email on Gmail?2. Check for Suspicious Account Activity on Google2.1 Enable 2FA as an Additional Security for GmailWrapping Up
Such an email often contains a spoof link. When the Gmail account owner clicks on the link they open a digital backdoor for the hackers. Upon clicking the user gets redirected to a website login page replicating the Gmail sign-in page. But in reality, it is a spoof webpage. As you enter your email credentials, the same will be known to the hackers through some malicious script attached to that webpage. Once they have your email credentials, they can then access your PC remotely and steal vital information present on it. They can continue their data stealing and in the end, they may infect your PC with some virus and may lock you out of it for good.
1.1 How to Deal With Spam Phishing Email on Gmail?
First, you need to patiently check and read an email before clicking any link within it. Besides, Google often warns you regarding spam emails with links redirecting to unsafe websites. Also, the algorithm of Google is quite efficient to put such emails in the potential spam email section. This means they won’t appear on the Primary mail tab when they are sent to you. Somehow if you stumble upon a fishy-looking “sign-in attempt” prevented email that lures you to click some link to re-login, this is what you should do. When you realize it’s a spam email, here’s how to report it to Google. Additionally, after reporting the email, for security purposes, you change your email password for that account. However, do it from the actual Google login page. Simply log out and when you see the real Gmail login page, use the Forgot Password option to add a new password.
2. Check for Suspicious Account Activity on Google
You must be now thinking about how to differentiate between an actual “Sign-in attempt prevented” email from Google from a fake one. here are the steps you should follow.
2.1 Enable 2FA as an Additional Security for Gmail
2FA or the two-factor authentication as it is known is an additional way to add security to your email account. You have to register your mobile phone number. Google will send you a PIN for verification when you sign in to your account from a new or previously unlisted device.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s how to deal with the “Sign-in attempt prevented” email when you receive it officially from Google. Also, now you know how to report a fake email from phishing websites and keep your Gmail account safe.
