How to Fix Google Suspicious Sign-in Attempt Prevented

Have you received an email from Google stating that the “sign-in attempt prevented” to your Gmail account? Then, in this write-up, let us talk about what this message means and why you get it. Usually, when someone with malicious intentions, possibly cybercriminals, tries to hack into your Gmail profile.

This means a suspicious login was made from a location and device other than the usual ones. Google’s algorithms are strong and secure enough to recognize 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 that Google may deem suspicious, your sign-in is prevented. It may fail if you try to connect to the Gmail servers with SMTP authentication. Then, Google sends 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 the email from being 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.

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 hackers will know this through a malicious script attached to the webpage. Once they have your email credentials, they can access your PC remotely and steal vital information.

They can continue stealing data; eventually, they may infect your PC with a virus and lock you out of it permanently.

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 in it. Besides, Google often warns about spam emails with links redirecting to unsafe websites.

Google’s algorithm also efficiently puts such emails in the potential spam email section. This means they won’t appear when sent to you on the Primary mail tab.

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.

1. Carefully open the mail and ensure you are not clicking any link inside it.
2. Now, navigate to the right of the email body and click the 3-dot button.
3. From the menu select Report Phishing. From here onwards, Google will manage things, and you will be safe.
   

Additionally, after reporting the email, you should change your email password for that account for security purposes. However, do this 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 now consider differentiating between an actual “Sign-in attempt prevented” email from Google and a fake one. Here are the steps you should follow.

1. Make sure you are logged in to your Google Account.
2. On the left navigation panel, click Security.
3. Navigate to Recent Security Activity.
   
4. Check if there have been log-in attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices.
5. Also, scroll down to Your devices to check if there has been any log-in attempt from a device that you don’t use.
   
6. If you see activity from an unknown device, on the top of the page click Secure your account.
7. Follow the steps to change your password.
8. You can also navigate to “Ways We Can Verify It’s You” and update your account recovery phone number or email ID.

2.1 Enable 2FA as an Additional Security for Gmail

2FA, or 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.

1. Login to your account and go to myaccount.google.com.
2. Click on the Security tab on the left-hand panel.
3. Navigate to the tab Signing In to Google.
4. Click on 2-step verification. Follow the instructions to set up 2FA for the concerned email account.
   

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.