What to do about Gmail Message [Attempt] Suspicious Sign-in Prevented

There are multiple reasons behind getting an email from Gmail which says Suspicious Sign-in prevented. All these things are done by Google to prevent the system which works for millions of users out there, along with the Google itself. If Gmail fails for one user, then it’s a big lose for Google as they care for the user experience, a lot.

Usually, this Suspicious Sign-in prevented email comes when you’re using a third-party email client like Outlook. It is caused by the failure of SMTP authentication which works as a layer between the Gmail server and the third-party application.

There are many other third-party applications which can be used and might cause the error. It is because of the incompatibility of the security standards used by different servers and applications. Most probably, these low-standard security using applications are relying on SMTP authentication method.

What to do about Gmail Suspicious Message?

Before losing it completely and deleting the application, you need to check following procedures. If one of them works fine, there is no need to take the harsh decision and be on the safer side.

#1 Have a look at Suspicious Account Activity

A proper activity log is maintained of whatever account activity happening. You can access it and review them. At this window, you’ll find the particular session because of which, Gmail has sent that Suspicious Sign-in alert.

You can review that session and put it under recognition. It simply means that you acknowledge that particular activity which Gmail server were believing to be suspicious.

To access this process, simply go to this webpage which keeps track of recent activity. Sign-in again with the account credential and go through the log.

If you don’t recognise a particular activity session, put it under suspicion and instantly change the account password.

Just to remind, a password should be strong, comprising of Upper case character, Lower case character, a number, and a special character.

You can find the link to access Recent Activity tab in the official alert email confirming the Suspicious Sign-in. It’s another mechanism used by Gmail to stop phishing and hacking attacks.

#2 Allow less secure apps

It’s a procedure involving just two steps, and it allows Gmail to treat less secure applications equally as the much secured ones. Gmail will stop checking the security standards of applications using SMTP like Outlook or any other. But, once this option is enabled, make sure no unknown app is being used with your account as it will be risky.

Step 1 – Go ahead and login with your Google account. Yes, you can even login into the Gmail account to access the emails.

Step 2 – Proceed with this particular link and once there, Turn On the option which says, Allow less secure apps.

The procedure is complete and once the webpage is refreshed, try re-configure the Outlook or any other application. The issue revolving around will not be triggered again.

#3 2-step verification process

It’s a much secure way to access Gmail account. It simply adds a security layer which is not easy to break, as it involves your phone number. Unless someone have access to your smartphone, it’s impossible to hack the account or even start an attempt.

Gmail has been offering this feature since years and it’s named 2-Step Verification. The first step is to enter your account password, and then the second step is to enter the unique passcode received on the phone.

This is how it becomes two-step verification process. It’s easy to crack down the password used with the account but, it’s not that easy to crack the uniquely generated passcode which is sent on the phone.

To make this method further strong, a unique passcode is generated every single time.

Go through following simple steps, and within a span of 3-5 minutes, this additional security layer will be added to the account.

Step 1 – Login with the current password into the Gmail account. Inside the User Interface, you’ll see a Gear icon. Click on the same.

Step 2 – Now, click on the Settings tab and follow the link which says, other account settings.

Step 3 – A new page will open, having the options related to account security. Over here, find out the 2-Step Verification option and proceed with the same.

Step 4 – It will ask you to enter the password again, to confirm that you’ve the access to the account. At the next screen, the interface will ask you to enter the phone number.

Step 5 – Make sure the phone number is entered correctly and it’s your primary phone number, not used by any other person. A code will be received at the phone via Text. Enter the same code at the screen and proceed.

Step 6 – You’ll see that 2-Step Verification is now enabled and there is nothing else needed to be done.

Before moving ahead and thinking that your account is totally secure, there are few things to be aware of. The phone number used should be totally yours. I mean, it should be on your personal ID, as someone else might access the phone number by swapping the SIM cards.

The mobile device used with the phone number should be kept secure. You should use security layer like a PIN code or a Fingerprint code (if using the latest smartphone) to keep the phone away from theft or suspicious activities.

This is all you’ve to do and know about 2-Step Verification which will keep your account free from suspicious activities.

#4 Re-configure Outlook or any other application

If none of the aforementioned method worked, it’s time for you to re-configure Outlook or any other third-party application in use. The re-configuration involves setting up the account details and password and checking the related settings.

Once the configuration is re-done, the connection between the two servers will be refreshed, keeping things in proper check.

Be aware!

There are many phishing emails incoming everyday which looks very similar to the one Gmail sends. If you interact with those emails, the account might be hacked, or someone might get access to do a spying on your account.

This thing is very real and you must be aware of everything related. To be on the safer side, just cross-check the email received carefully. The links mentioned in the email body shouldn’t be redirecting to the third-party websites.

Gmail never asks you to download anything. And, most of the phishing activity starts with the downloading only.

Over to you

As you are aware of the procedure to sort out the issue and how to be on the safer side, what’s your take on all this?

This [Attempt] Suspicious Sign-in prevented issue is resolved at your end or not? I hope it did, otherwise mention the exact issue in the comment section below. I’ll take it from there!