Gmail, the popular email service from Google, has announced that it will add an extra verification step for users who want to add a new forwarding address or edit their filters. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to users’ emails and settings.
What is email forwarding and filtering?
Email forwarding is a feature that allows users to automatically forward incoming messages to another email address. This can be useful for managing multiple accounts, backing up emails, or sending emails to a different service.
Email filtering is a feature that allows users to create rules to sort, label, archive, delete, or forward messages based on certain criteria. This can help users organize their inbox, reduce spam, or automate tasks.
Why is verification needed?
According to Google, the verification step is needed to protect users from malicious actors who may have access to their accounts and try to manipulate their email settings. For example, an attacker could create a filter that forwards all emails containing sensitive information to a different address, or delete all incoming messages without the user’s knowledge.
The verification step will require users to enter their password or use another authentication method before they can add a new forwarding address or edit their filters. This will ensure that only the legitimate owner of the account can make these changes.
How will this affect users?
Google says that this change will not affect most users, as they rarely need to add a new forwarding address or edit their filters. However, for those who do, they will see a prompt asking them to verify their identity before they can proceed.
Google also says that this change will not affect users who use Gmail for work or school, as they do not need to verify their forwarding address if it belongs to the same organization.
Google advises users to review their email settings regularly and report any suspicious activity to the Gmail Help Center.
When will this change take effect?
Google says that this change will start rolling out gradually in the coming weeks and will be available to all Gmail users by the end of September 2023. Users can check their email settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner of Gmail and selecting “See all settings”.
