--- title: "What is the Google Critical Security Alert email? | DuoCircle" description: "What is the Google Critical Security Alert email?" image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/email-security/what-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email/" --- Quick Answer The Google Critical Security Alert is a notification Google sends when it detects a sign-in from a new device, location, browser, or IP address on your Google account, or when it blocks a suspicious sign-in attempt. Legitimate alerts come from no-reply@accounts.google.com and link only to accounts.google.com URLs. Attackers spoof the format with phishing emails that mimic the layout but link to credential-harvesting sites or password reset traps. Verify by checking the sender's full address (not just the display name), hovering over links to confirm they point to accounts.google.com, looking at recent activity directly via myaccount.google.com/security (not via the email link), and treating any 'urgent' password reset request from email with suspicion. Google never asks for passwords or MFA codes by email. What is the Google Critical Security Alert email? Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/What-is-the-Google-Critical-Security-Alert-email.mp3) Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Femail-security%2Fwhat-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20is%20the%20Google%20Critical%20Security%20Alert%20email%3F&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Femail-security%2Fwhat-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Femail-security%2Fwhat-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Femail-security%2Fwhat-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email%2F&title=What%20is%20the%20Google%20Critical%20Security%20Alert%20email%3F "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20the%20Google%20Critical%20Security%20Alert%20email%3F&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Femail-security%2Fwhat-is-the-google-critical-security-alert-email%2F "Share via Email") ![DuoCircle blog post image](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-server-mail-4170.jpg) [Google](/email-services/google-yahoo-mandatory-to-deploy-dmarc-for-more-than-5000-daily-emails/) has always prioritized **user safety** and has designed the [Google Critical Security Alert](https://nordvpn.com/blog/google-critical-security-alert/) to warn users whenever a threat actor or unauthorized person tries to access your Google account. This security feature also alerts you if there is a **login to your account** from a new or unrecognized device, allowing you to deny access if you don’t recognize the device. You receive a notification on your **primary device** (in which the particular Google account is logged in), where you have to click on either of the options, ‘Yes, it’s me’ or ‘No, secure account.’ You may also receive this notification via email. You also receive this warning when you buy a new device and sign into it or browse using a proxy or a [VPN server](https://www.cactusvpn.com/beginners-guide-to-vpn/what-is-a-vpn-server-how-does-a-vpn-server-work/), as these change your IP address. Using [Best Browser Security Software](https://www.saasadviser.co/software/browser-security-software) can help protect your online activities and ensure safe browsing. So, every time you get the security notification, it won’t mean your account has been compr**omised. But of course, you have to be careful when it’s not** **you** who has signed in. ## Google Critical Security Alert can be a scam _Threat actors find their way into anything and everything, including Google’s security feature._ They have devised techniques to exploit it and create [phishing emails](https://www.securityweek.com/hacked-ethereum-foundation-account-used-to-send-35000-phishing-emails/) that replicate the ones that originally come from Google. The **illegitimate email** warns you of a new sign-in attempt, claiming that Google blocked the attempt and asks you to check your account activity. But there’s a catch, the link in the email that is supposed to take you to the page where you can check your account activity will instead **direct you to a hoax, replicated website**, or [download malware](https://securityboulevard.com/2024/07/new-malware-campaign-targeting-spanish-language-victims/) on your device. In some cases, you may receive an email about unauthorized access and be asked to [reset your password](https://qz.com/apple-reset-password-phishing-scam-iphone-spoofing-call-1851370609). You might also be directed to a [fake website](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ticket-heist-fraud-gang-uses-700-domains-to-sell-fake-olympics-tickets/) that looks like a Google login page. _If you enter your details on this fake page, the **hacker will have your credentials**_. Scammers often exploit academic stress and trust in Google by sending fake warnings about suspicious logins, hoping recipients will click on malicious links. Students are a particularly vulnerable audience, especially when they face tight academic deadlines. In such situations, many look for external help, and to reduce the risk of scams, it is safer to rely on reliable [professional essay writers for hire](https://papersowl.com/) to manage their workload more effectively. This approach helps students stay safe and focused on their studies. ## How to know if the Google Security Alert email is real or fake? Fortunately, it isn’t too hard to detect if the warning is fake. Using a [virtual phone number](https://dialaxy.com/virtual-phone-number/?utm%5Fsource=duocircle&utm%5Fmedium=refferal&utm%5Fcampaign=support) can add an extra layer of security. Here’s what you need to do every time you receive the alert email- ### Notice the sender’s email address Google sends security alerts from **[no-reply@accounts.google.com](mailto:no-reply@accounts.google.com)**. If the sender’s email address is not this, report the email and don’t click any links. ### Check the email content Google security emails are usually well-written and include your name or account details. If you get a **generic, poorly written email** that claims to be from Google, it’s likely a scam. _Google will never ask for [sensitive information](https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2024/02/02/phishing-scam-drake-tax-cpa-irs/72268235007/), like login or bank account details, via email._ ### Hover over the link Before clicking the link in the email, just **hover your cursor over** it and look at the link in the lower-left corner of your computer screen. Notice where the link will take you; if it doesn’t look like an official Gmail page, [don’t click it](https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/new-malware-clickfix-tricks-users-with-fake-error-solutions/). [![Google Critical Security Alerts](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/dkim-record-check.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/dkim-record-check.jpg) ## Stopping Google Critical Security Alerts You can stop Google Critical Security Alert emails for **logins from different devices** by following these steps: 1. Sign in to your [Google Admin console](https://admin.google.com/) and open the home page. 2. Go to “Settings,” then tap “**Security rules**,” and click “Suspicious login.” 3. Tap “Actions.” 4. In the “Send email notification” section, **uncheck the “All super administrators**” and “Send email notifications” boxes. 5. Click “Next: review.” 6. Tap “**Update rule**.” However, you will still receive [security alerts](https://www.ghacks.net/2024/05/14/stay-secure-unmasking-fake-virus-alerts-with-avg-antivirus-free/) for logins from new, **unrecognized devices**. ## How to secure your Gmail account upon receiving a fake alert? ### Run a security check on the account **Don’t open or respond** to emails from unknown sources. If you get a [suspicious Google security alert](https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/27354581/google-warning-billions-gmail-six-word-alert-email/) email, ignore it and check your Google account security: 1. Open your Google account settings and tap “**Review security tips**.” 2. **Check the list of devices** logged into your account. Remove any unfamiliar devices. 3. Scroll down and click on “**Review recent activity**.” If you see any unfamiliar activity, select “See unfamiliar activity.” 4. **Change your password** to a stronger one if needed. 5. Visit the [Google Help Center](https://support.google.com/) for more security tips. ### Turn on two-factor authentication Enabling [two-factor authentication](https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2024/07/10/gmail-users-offered-free-top-tier-security-upgrade-say-goodbye-to-2fa/) adds an **extra layer of security** over and above a standard password. You can choose one of the two-factor authentication options- 1. **Google Prompt**: A **notification sent to your smartphone** that you can approve to verify your identity. 2. **Authenticator App**: Use apps like [Google Authenticator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google%5FAuthenticator) or Authy to generate verification codes. 3. **SMS Codes**: Receive a verification code via text message to your phone. 4. **Backup Codes**: _A set of codes you can use **when you can’t access your phone**._ 5. **Security Key**: A physical device, like a **USB or NFC key**, that you can use to verify your identity. 6. **Voice Call**: Receive a verification code via a [voice call to your phone](https://support.google.com/voice/answer/165221). These options help **ensure that only you can access** your account, even if someone knows your password. For enterprise email systems, combining multi-factor authentication with a [DPI solution](https://nordlayer.com/features/deep-packet-inspection/) can provide deeper visibility into malicious traffic patterns targeting user credentials. [![two-factor authentication](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-server-mail-4160.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-server-mail-4160.jpg) ### Enable MTA-STS MTA-STS stands for [Mail Transfer Agent-Strict Transport Security](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/email-security-and-anti-spoofing/using-mta-sts-to-protect-the-privacy-of-your-emails), a security feature that requires authentication checks and encryption for all emails sent to your domain. _It prevents the occurrences of [man-in-the-middle](https://cybersecuritynews.com/blast-radius-man-in-the-middle-attack/) and [DDoS attacks](https://thehackernews.com/2024/07/php-vulnerability-exploited-to-spread.html)._ ### Set up recovery information [Add recovery information](https://guidebooks.google.com/get-started-with-google/stay-safer-with-google/how-to-add-recovery-options-to-your-google-account) to your Gmail account. This can be your **backup email or a phone number**. So, even if someone compromises your account, you can still regain access to it using the recovery information. _If your phone number or backup account changes, update the information in Gmail._ ### Deploy SPF, DKIM, and DMARC [SPF](/content/spf-record-check) (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and [DMARC](/email/dmarc) (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) are authentication protocols that ensure **only authorized people** send emails on your behalf. [DKIM](/resources/what-is-dkim) also helps verify whether an email’s content has been modified in transit. Illegitimate emails sent from your domain will be subjected to either getting marked as spam or bouncing back, preventing them from **landing in the recipients’ inboxes** in either case. _Together, these three fortifiers strengthen your company’s email ecosystem, [preventing phishing](/phishing-protection/protecting-your-business-from-phishing-attacks/), spoofing, and impersonation._ We at [DuoCircle](/) can help you get started with these **three protocols**. [Contact us](/contact) to know more and better. ## Topics email securityUpdates ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) Brad Slavin General Manager General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio. ## Secure your email infrastructure Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution. [Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) ## Related Articles [ Email Security 7m 10 Crucial Tips that Will Help You Avoid Spam Filters and Send Better Emails Feb 14, 2023 ](/blog/email-security/10-crucial-tips-that-will-help-you-avoid-spam-filters-and-send-better-emails/)[ Email Security 6m 5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs an SPF Record Flattener? Sep 26, 2023 ](/blog/email-security/5-reasons-why-your-website-needs-an-spf-record-flattener/)[ Email Security 8m Best Practices to Follow When Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Mar 19, 2024 ](/blog/email-security/best-practices-to-follow-when-implementing-spf-dkim-and-dmarc/)[ Email Security 3m Best Ways to Secure Emails in 2024 Apr 26, 2024 ](/blog/email-security/best-ways-to-secure-emails-in-2024/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. 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