How to protect your YouTube channel from being stolen?

Is your YouTube channel safe? Whether YouTube is your full-time job or just a hobby, you definitely don't want to lose your channel. Insufficient security creates space for fraudsters and hackers. Hackers have been on a rampage lately and we have received many reports of stolen channels. Fortunately, we have been able to return these channels to their owners, but it is very important that you protected as much as possible on the Internet. That's why we've prepared a few tips for you on how you can protect your YouTube channel from being stolen.

1. CREATE A STRONG PASSWORD AND PROTECT IT

Thanks to a strong and complex password, your personal data will be safe and you can prevent account theft. When creating a password, it is recommended to use at least 8 characters, it can be any combination of numbers, letters and symbols. For greater security, create a combination that is unique and do not use it to log in to other accounts, using one password increases the risk of hacking. Also avoid entering personal data, such as birthdays, names, or words like "password" or the number combination "1234".

You can also protect your password using an extension in your browser called "Password Protection". Once you have this extension installed, you will be notified whenever you enter your password on the web, which is not owned by Google. For example, if you enter your password on a website that pretends to be Google, you will receive a warning and be able to change your YouTube account password immediately. In this way, it can protect itself from phishing.

Another excellent password protection tool is the so-called password manager that helps you create and manage strong and unique passwords. You can even review your login information. If you want to find out if any of the passwords in your Google account have been exposed, weak, or used in multiple accounts, you can use check passwords.

And last but not least, do not share your login information with anyone or anywhere. YouTube will never ask you for passwords, ID number or financial data via email, message or call. This data is sensitive and you should have it very well secured.

2. REGULAR CHECK IS VERY IMPORTANT

The security checkup tool will help you with this>, which will generate specific recommendations for securing your account. It will show you your inactive logins, recent security activity or password security.

An excellent way to have more control over logging into your accounts is, for example, thanks to adding a phone number or email to your account. This will prevent someone from using your account without permission, you will receive notifications of suspicious activity, and you can restore the account if you accidentally log out of it.

If you don't already have two-step verification everywhere where possible, it's time to change it. This method of protection is the most accessible, you have it set up in a few clicks and it helps prevent hackers from getting into your account , even if they steal your password.

Don't forget about updates either. If you use an outdated browser, operating system or applications, the software may not be sufficiently secure against hackers. That is why it is important not to ignore updates, but to install them as soon as possible. Always keep your software up-to-date and don't forget to back up your account regularly.

3. WATCH OUT FOR SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES

Most often, fraudsters use so-called phishing. It is a form of attack in which the criminal impersonates a trustworthy person or institution in order to obtain sensitive information from the victim, such as an ID number, social security number or credit card numbers. We also have the most experience with this type of fraud.

The scam involves a hacker sending a fake email with an enticing offer to collaborate with a YouTube creator, posing as a trusted brand with a sophisticated website and email. This email always contains an invitation to download some kind of software. The moment the victim starts installing the program, a new extension is automatically installed in your web browser, through which the hackers steal all the data they need. The very dangerous thing about the whole scam is that as soon as you start installing the program, your data is gone within a few seconds. These attacks are very common today and it is important that you were able to recognize. The best way to protect yourself from this attack is to simply ignore suspicious emails and if you suspect that a YouTube video contains spam or phishing, you can report it.

The Internet is a place that brings us an infinite number of possibilities, but as everywhere, there are also threats in the digital space that you need to be especially careful about. Protect your account from hackers and fraudsters and don't hesitate to contact us if needed.