In March 2025, Google introduced a major upgrade to Gmail that sparked both excitement and concern. With over 3 billion users relying on it daily, Gmail’s new AI-powered search feature now prioritizes what it believes are your “most relevant” emails, rather than simply showing the most recent ones. While this promises to enhance productivity, it also begs an urgent question—in a world where cyberattacks are escalating, is Gmail still secure enough?

AI may make your inbox smarter, but it also introduces a new layer of vulnerability. According to DemandSage, Gmail commands a 30.7% share of the global email client market and processes over 121 billion emails every day. That sheer scale makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Whether you’re a professional, a business owner, or just someone who values their privacy, securing your Gmail isn’t just good practice—it’s non-negotiable.

Here’s a thought-provoking, action-oriented checklist to help you protect your Gmail account in this AI-driven era.

1. Activate Two-Step Verification (2SV)

Passwords alone are no longer enough. Phishing attacks have become more advanced, and the number of compromised Gmail accounts continues to grow. Two-Step Verification (2SV) provides a second line of defense that can stop most unauthorized login attempts in their tracks. Instead of just relying on a password, you’ll be prompted for a code sent to your device or generated by an authenticator app.

Action Tip: Head to myaccount.google.com/security and enable 2SV. Choose an authenticator app over SMS for better protection.

Your inbox is your digital home. Why leave the door unlocked?

2. Audit Third-Party App Access

Over time, we give Gmail access to tools—some useful, others forgotten. Many people don’t realize these apps can still read data, even if they haven’t been used in years. Some of these third-party apps may not have the security standards Google enforces, making them weak links.

Action Tip: Go to Security > Third-party apps with account access. Remove any apps or services you don’t recognize or no longer use.

If you didn’t give permission recently, it’s time to take it back.

3. Use Gmail’s Confidential Mode for Sensitive Emails

Not all emails need to live forever. Gmail’s Confidential Mode lets you send emails with expiration dates and restricts recipients from forwarding, copying, or downloading the content. It’s an underused but powerful privacy feature—especially useful when sending personal documents, financial data, or client information.

Action Tip: While composing a message, click the lock-and-clock icon at the bottom. Set an expiration date and optionally require an SMS passcode.

When your information is time-sensitive, so should its visibility be.

4. Enable Alerts for Suspicious Activity

Google’s AI is smart enough to detect unusual activity—like logins from unfamiliar devices or locations. But if you haven’t enabled alerts, you might not even know it’s happening. This is your early warning system.

Action Tip: In your Google Account, go to Security > Your Devices > Recent Security Events. Make sure your notification settings are turned on for login attempts and new device access.

The sooner you know something’s wrong, the faster you can stop it.

5. Check Your Filters and Forwarding Rules

Hackers don’t always leave obvious traces. A common tactic is to quietly set up email filters or auto-forwarding rules that redirect your emails to another account—without you ever noticing. These hidden changes can go undetected for months.

Action Tip: In Gmail, go to Settings > Filters and Blocked Addresses and Forwarding and POP/IMAP. Look for anything unfamiliar. Delete suspicious filters or unknown forwarding addresses immediately.

Your inbox may look normal—but your emails could be going elsewhere.

6. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi Without Protection

Free Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, or co-working spaces is convenient—but it’s also a goldmine for hackers. Without a VPN, your login credentials and email activity can be intercepted in seconds.

Action Tip: If you must use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a trusted VPN like ProtonVPN or NordVPN. Better yet, use your mobile hotspot.

Public networks are like glass doors—easy to look through, and easier to break into.

7. Be Mindful of AI-Powered Search Features

Gmail’s new AI feature now curates your search results based on your email behavior. While it sounds helpful, some users have noticed that older, irrelevant emails sometimes surface before more urgent ones. Relying on AI alone could mean missing time-sensitive information—or acting on outdated content.

Action Tip: When precision matters, manually switch your search to “Most Recent.” Always double-check email timestamps before replying or taking action.

AI is an assistant, not a decision-maker. Keep your judgment front and center.

Security Is a Habit, Not a Feature

Gmail’s 2025 upgrade is a step forward in productivity—but that doesn’t mean security can take a back seat. With over 1.8 billion active users and climbing, Gmail is an irresistible target for cybercriminals. Staying secure isn’t about mastering technology; it’s about staying alert, informed, and proactive.

If your Gmail account holds your appointments, bank alerts, client communication, family chats, and work documents—why treat it casually? Strengthening your Gmail security is no longer optional. It’s an everyday responsibility.

Did you find this Gmail security checklist helpful?
Share it with a colleague or friend who might be trusting their inbox just a little too much.