Google’s New Dashboard Lets Users See All Devices Connected To Their Account

Email account hacking is a serious concern, and it is definitely something that most users are wary of. But if one takes the necessary precautions, the likelihood of getting hacked will be minimal. 

And of course, a little help from Google doesn't hurt either. The tech giant is introducing a new tool that will allow users to easily check when and where their accounts have been accessed over the last month.

The tool, which is called the Devices and Activity Dashboard, lists all the devices connected to the user's Google Account and also provides data as to when and where the account has been accessed. 

The cool thing about this tool is that it keeps the information for a full 28 days. And if a new previously unlisted device starts to access the user's account just recently, it is labeled with “NEW” for easy detection (listed at the top is the device the user is currently using). It really is a useful tool that adds another layer of protection against hacking. 

Google is also launching the security wizard for those who have Google for Work accounts. This security wizard offers a guide for users in which steps take to turn when adjusting security features. If you notice a device accessing your account recently and you are sure that it is not one of yours, you can just click “Secure your account” to change your account password, or otherwise check your recovery information, account permissions, verification settings, or other passwords (for apps, for instance).

Of course in Gmail, you can always go old-school in checking the most recent activity. At the bottom right part of your inbox, just beneath “last account activity”, you can click “Details” in order to check when and where your account has been accessed. 

It should be noted that the rebranded Google for Work is actually an old division of Google's that handled corporate sales (it was formerly known as Google Enterprise). The folks at Google simply thought that a simpler name will make it easier to convince corporate information technology managers to use the same tools that their employees already utilize in their personal lives. 

Besides, in the age of smartphones and tablets, the line between work and leisure has been blurred so much, to the extent that most people often use the same gadgets for both. And with Google continuing to introduce new and better tools for personal account security, why not?