Step-by-Step Guide: How to Log In to Google AdWords Securely: Best Practices for Account Safety in 2024

Nowadays, it has become essential to manage your advertising campaigns through various platforms; one such platform is Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords). According to Statista, as of 2023, Google Ads generated over $237.86 US dollars in ad revenue, highlighting its significance in digital advertising. 

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As many companies depend upon such platforms, the chances of cyber-attacks and unauthorized access are also increasing as well. Cyber attacks are increasing so much that strong security measures to protect the account are necessary.

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In this step-by-step guide, we will discuss great strategies for securing Google AdWords logins, setting two-factor authentication, managing access, and safeguarding data.

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If you need any additional information or help managing your account, you can also contact one of the trusted marketing experts at Strique's for personalized advice.

Understanding Google AdWords Security

Before discussing the main steps for securing your advertising campaigns by using Google AdWords, let's first discuss the importance of securing your AdWord account. 

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• Your Google AdWords account has stored your personal and sensitive data, billing information, advertising campaign details, performances, and much more.
• If the account gets hacked, all your personal details could lead to threats, misuse of funds, identity theft, etc. 
• To prevent such cases, Google AdWords offers us several useful features and guidelines and allows us to maintain account safety. 
• This not only allows us to have the main control and manage access to campaigns but also prevents the hackers from getting unauthorized access.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Log In to Google AdWords Securely

The steps for logging into Google AdWords securely are as follows: 

Step 1: Enabling the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 

The main step for ensuring security is Enabling the 2FA, i.e., two-factor authentications, which adds an extra layer of protection to the Google AdWord account.

Firstly, it verifies your true identity using your email or mobile number and then asks you to set up the password.

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HOW TO SET IT UP:

• Firstly, Go to Google Account settings.
• Now, select the ‘Security’ option and click on the ‘2 Step Verification’ button.
• Click on the ‘Get Started’ button, and start following the instructions as it mentions.
• Choose any secondary method you want, like text message, Google Authenticator, or email.

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Using this feature, even if someone finds out your password, they won't be able to gain access to your Google account without the confirmation of another secondary method you opted for.

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Step 2: Strong and Unique Passwords

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Accounts with easy passwords and passwords that can be easily identified or that are related to your personal details have maximum chances of getting hacked. The strong password is a necessary line of defence against the hackers.

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Here are the tips for setting up strong passwords :

• Use a strong combination of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and even special characters.
• Try to avoid using words, dates, and other information that relates to you and your identity.
• You can use free password managers, which allow you to generate strong passwords quickly.
• Update your passwords regularly after every 3-6 months.

Step 3: Monitor the Account Access and Permissions

If you are handling a large association under you, then many people must have access to your Google account. In this case, it is essential to update and monitor your Google account regularly, permissions setting. 

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This ensures that only authorized people have access to your campaign.

Here are the steps that will help you monitor and manage your Access Control:

• Log in to the Google AdWords account and go to the ‘Account Access’ button.
• Then, go and review all the people who have access to the account.
• Now, grant the permissions to all as needed and make adjustments.
• Take back access from all the parties or users who no longer work as a part of your organization.

Step 4: Use Secure Devices and Networks

Not only should the information stored in your devices be stored securely, but the devices that store this information and have access to your Google AdWords account also need to be secured. 

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Keep them safe with yourself, and also, don't try to log in to any public network because of cyber threats.

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Some of the best practices for device security are as follows:

• Whenever you log in to the account, always do it from a secure device that has updated antivirus software and a firewall.
• Only use private Wi-Fi networks. 

Don't use public Wi-Fi networks for work, such as logging into your accounts, monitoring performance, etc.

• Scan your devices regularly for malware and suspicious activities and detect potential threats.

Step 5: Keeping Track of Suspicious Activities 

Google provides us with several notifications related to security and access and sends alert text messages to detect suspicious activities in our accounts. 

Also, enable the alerts so you can stay informed about all the activities going on in your account and stay updated.

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HOW TO SET UP SECURITY ALERTS:

• The first step to set up security alerts is to go to Google AdWords Settings and enable notifications.
• Also, set up alarms for suspicious login attempts into your account or any other account-related problem.
• Don't ignore the alerts, and be responsive towards them while taking necessary actions.

Step 6: Reviewing your Account regularly for signs

One of the important things is to review your Account regularly and its settings and performance, looking for signs of unauthorized access, if any.

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HOW TO CHECK FOR ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: 

• First of all, log in to your Google AdWords account and then search for campaign settings and performance.
• Next, check for any unusual changes in ad campaigns, Billing information, or spending limits.
• Use Google's “Account Health” to detect other issues further.

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If you notice any suspicious activity, then take immediate action against it and secure the account from further damage.

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Alternatives to Deleting or Suspending Your AdWords Account

There might be some incidents where you may need to stop running your Google AdWords account temporarily without deleting the account and protecting it.

In such cases, consider the following few points:

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• Pause your Campaign 

Simply pause your Google Ads Campaign without actually deleting your account. This helps us maintain our account settings and data while we stop advertising for some time.

• Adjusting the Budget 

If you want to reduce ad spend without pausing or stopping campaigns, then one way you can do so is simply by lowering the campaign budget. For more effective strategies, check out our budgeting tips for Google Ads.

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• Manual Billing 

If you want more access to your Google AdWords account, then also switch from Automatic Payments to Manual Billing.

Best Practices for Ongoing AdWords Security Management

Even if you start using all of these security measures, it is still important to stay proactive in your Google AdWords Campaign and manage it effectively. 

Following are some of the best practices discussed for ongoing AdWords Security Management:

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• Educating the Team 

Ensure that everyone who has access to the Google AdWords account knows the importance of account security and follows all of the security measures as well.

Guide them or provide training on safe login practices and phishing attempts.

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• Regularly Updating the Security Settings 

Also, keep your security settings up to date, including managing and changing your password regularly, reviewing your user access permission, looking for the settings and adjusting them regularly, and so on.

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• Working with the Trusted Digital Agency

Only consider working with your Trusted Digital Marketing Agency to manage your Google AdWords account, which can also provide you with valuable insights and security advice, ensuring that your account is in good hands.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, securing and maintaining your Google AdWords account is one of the important parts of maintaining your digital marketing efforts. 

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By following the steps marked in this article like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), reviewing your account regularly for signs, using strong and unique passwords, monitoring the account access and permissions, using secure devices and networks, and keeping track of suspicious activities, one can ensure account security.

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Using the methods and practices discussed, you can prevent getting unauthorized access to your Google AdWords account. Also, remember that the security of your Google AdWords account is in your hands only. So stay active and keep your settings up to date. Through these practices, you can minimize security threats and maintain consistency throughout.

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For more information, you can visit Strique. It gives you personalized advice and safeguards your AdWords account. The methods discussed in the above article not only help you gain knowledge and full access to your Google AdWords account but also ensure long-term guaranteed success in your digital marketing campaigns.

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