Everyone with a Gmail and Yahoo account urged to make one simple change today

Anyone using Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook or other email services should head to their settings and make a very simple settings change. That's the latest alert from the team at Action Fraud who is encouraging users of these popular services to turn on something called 2-step verification (2SV).

Once enabled, it basically means nobody can access an account without a code being sent to a secondary device. Even if a hacker gets full details and a password, they will be blocked from logging in.

"Secure your email account by enabling 2-step verification (2SV)," Action Fraud explained in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"It can stop criminals from getting into your accounts, even if they have your password."

All of the major email providers offer 2SV and it's a really important feature to switch on if you want to keep your private emails and away from prying eyes.

Here's how to switch on 2SV in Gmail

To turn on 2-Step Verification for your Gmail account, log in to your Google Account and head to settings. Then navigate to the Security section and click on 2-Step Verification.

Follow the on-screen instructions to enable it, which typically involves choosing a second step for verification, such as using Google prompts, a phone number, or a security key.

Once you switch things on, you will receive an alert when someone tries to log in using a new device.

If that happens to be you, you simply confirm that things are OK on the secondary device to which the prompt has been sent. If you haven't tried logging in, you can deny access. You'll also know that someone is trying to hack your account.

Along with Action Fraud, the UK Government's Stop Think Fraud site is also offering similar advice.

"Turning on 2SV gives your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out," a post on the website explained.

"2SV can usually be found in the security settings of your account. Sometimes it’s called 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

2SV is available for most of the major online services, such as email, banking, and social media."

The Stop Think Fraud website also offers full advice to help guide you through the switching process. You can see full details here.