Google My Business Hacked? Don't Worry, Here's How to Handle and Prevent It

Did you know that in the digital age, Google My Business is not only a tool for managing business information but also the online face of your brand? A compromised account can cause great damage to reputation, revenue and customer relationships. Therefore, protecting your Google My Business account is protecting your valuable "digital assets". In this article, SaDesign will share how to protect your Google My Business account comprehensively and effectively.

1. The reality of attacks on Google Business accounts

In the digital age, Google My Business accounts are not only a place to provide business information but also play an important role in maintaining an online presence. However, this also makes them an attractive target for cyber attacks.

1.1. Alarming reality

Increasing number of attacks: Reports from cybersecurity organizations indicate that business accounts, especially on Google, are being attacked more often because they contain sensitive and highly valuable data.

Diverse goals: Attacks are not only aimed at stealing access, but also at damaging reputations, deleting information, or diverting customers to competitors.

Small businesses are victims too: Not only large businesses, small and medium-sized companies are also vulnerable to attacks because many do not focus on investing in security.

1.2. Serious consequences

Loss of control: Businesses cannot edit or manage important information on the account.

Reputation Damage: Inappropriate or false content posted on the account, causing loss of customer trust.

Financial Losses: Lost business opportunities, leads, and revenue due to failure to maintain a credible online presence.

2. Common forms of attack on Google Business accounts

Hackers use many sophisticated methods to attack Google Business accounts, here are some common forms:

2.1. Password Attacks

Phishing (Email or SMS fraud): Hackers send fake Google emails, asking you to log in via an unsafe link to steal your login information.

Brute Force (Password Attack): Bad guys use automated tools to try thousands of different passwords, which is especially successful if your password is weak.

2.2. Impersonation of access

Fake access requests: Hackers send requests for account management permissions as partners or customers, and if you're not careful, you could accidentally give them away.

2.3. Unauthorized change of business information

Once an account is compromised, an attacker can change:

Business name, address, phone number, or hours of operation.

Redirect customers to competitors or scam sites.

2.4. Account Takeover

Linked account attacks: If hackers hack your email account or the device you use to log in, they can easily take control of your Google Business account.

2.5. Fake Reviews

Even without directly gaining access, hackers or competitors can use fake reviews (negative or positive) to damage your reputation on Google.

2.6. Malware Attacks

Malware: Hackers can install malicious code on your device, record your login information, or directly take control of your account.

3. Measures to protect your Google business account

Protecting your Google business account from being hacked or hacked is extremely important to ensure the safety of your data. Being hacked can cause serious consequences such as data loss, leaking important information and affecting the reputation of the business.

To protect your Google business account from being hacked and hacked, you need to take a comprehensive set of security measures. Here are some specific measures:

3.1. Develop and enforce a strong password policy

Complex passwords: Require users to use passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Password Management: Use a password manager to securely store your passwords.

No password reuse: Each account should have a unique password.

Change passwords regularly: Users should be required to change their passwords at least once every 3 months.

3.2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Phone Verification: Receive verification code via SMS or call.

App authentication: Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.

Security key authentication: Use a physical security key.

3.3. Access Management
Clear authorization: Grant access only to those who need it.

Group Access Control: Create user groups and grant group permissions.

Monitor user activity: Check activity logs for suspicious behavior.

3.4. Use Google security tools

Google Workspace Security: Provides protection features like threat detection, data loss controls, and device management.

Vault for G Suite: Store and search email, chat, and document data.

Security Center: Provides an overview of your account's security status.

4. Recovering a Google Business Account in Case of Problem

Keeping your Google account secure is extremely important. If you suspect your account has been compromised, reset your password immediately using your backup email to keep your data safe. To recover your Google account if it has been compromised, follow these steps:

Go to the Gmail login page.
Enter your registered email address or phone number.
Select “Forgot Password”.
Follow the instructions to reset your new password via your backup email.

Your Google Business account is an invaluable digital asset for your business. Keeping it secure not only helps you avoid losing control but also maintains your reputation with customers and partners. Protect your account today by applying the simple yet effective steps that SaDesign has just shared.