What steps should I take after unintentionally signing into a malicious site with Google to ensure my account remains secure?

Protecting Yourself After a Close Call: What to Do If You Accidentally Visited a Fake Website

In today’s digital world, falling victim to phishing scams and fake websites is a common concern. Recently, I had a close encounter with such a site, which prompted me to think critically about online security practices. Here’s my experience and some essential steps to ensure your safety after a similar incident.

The Incident

While attempting to log into a website that I hadn’t visited in some time, I mistyped the URL, landing on what appeared to be an exact replica of the legitimate site. My usual practice is to log in using the Google authentication option, so when I noticed the familiar interface, I thought nothing of it. I clicked on the Google login button, entered my account, and was then redirected to another page that claimed I was logged out. It wasn’t until the third attempt that I realized the website I was on was a fraudulent imitation.

This alarming experience left me wondering: Did I expose myself to any risk by using the Google login feature on a fake site?

Assessing the Risk

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that many legitimate services, including Google, prioritize user privacy and security. They typically share minimal information with third parties—often just your name, email address, location, and profile picture. However, if you have inadvertently entered your Google account information on a fake site, there are potential risks.

Steps to Take After Visiting a Fake Website

Change Your Passwords: The first action to consider is changing your Google account password. This is a precautionary measure to protect yourself in case your login information was captured.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you haven’t already, enabling 2FA on your Google account can provide an additional layer of security. This means that even if your password were compromised, an unauthorized user would not easily be able to access your account.
Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on your Google account for any suspicious activities. Google provides tools to see recent login activity and any unusual device access. If you notice something unfamiliar, take immediate action, such as changing your password again.
Use a Password Manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. This can help prevent you from accidentally reusing passwords across different sites, thereby minimizing risk.
Educate Yourself on Phishing Scams: Familiarize yourself with common signs