NAU Gmail Security Settings Every Student Should Know

Hey Lumberjacks! Navigating college life at Northern Arizona University can be wild. With all the classes, projects, and social plans, your email is probably buzzing. But have you ever stopped to think about how secure your NAU Gmail account really is?

Hackers are clever. And honestly, a weak Gmail account is like an open door. So let’s make sure you know the must-have security settings to keep your inbox—and your info—safe!

Why Is Gmail Security So Important?

Your Gmail account is more than just email. It’s your digital identity at NAU. Classwork, financial aid, passwords—everything flows through that one account. Once someone gets in, the damage can be huge.

But don’t worry! Securing your account is easier than choosing your next elective. Let’s break it down together.

1. Turn On 2-Step Verification (2FA)

This is the big one. Think of it like a second lock on your door.

  • Go to your Google Account settings.
  • Click on Security.
  • Find 2-Step Verification and follow the steps to turn it on.

Now, even if someone gets your password, they can’t get in without your second step—usually a code sent to your phone. Safe and simple.

2. Use a Strong Password

This may sound like a no-brainer, but weak passwords are still one of the top reasons people get hacked. “NAU123” just won’t cut it.

A good password should look like gibberish to most people. But you’ll remember it. Try something like:

  • Capitalize some letters
  • Include numbers and symbols
  • Make it long enough—12+ characters is great!

You can also use a password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass to help you remember complex passwords.

3. Check Account Activity

Sometimes you won’t even know someone is poking around in your email. That’s why account activity is your BFF.

  • Open Gmail.
  • Scroll to the bottom-right corner.
  • You’ll see something like “Last account activity.”
  • Click Details to see when and where your account was accessed.

If something looks fishy, change your password and report it to NAU ITS right away!

4. Be Smart About Phishing Emails

Some emails look totally legit—but they’re traps. This is called phishing.

Watch out for:

  • Emails asking for your password
  • Messages with urgent warnings or prizes
  • Links that look off (like gmial.com instead of gmail.com)

If you’re ever unsure, don’t click anything. Instead, forward the email to phishing@nau.edu for review.

5. Set Up Recovery Options

If you get locked out of your account, recovery options are your ticket back in.

  • Go to your Google Account settings.
  • Under Security, look for Ways we can verify it’s you.
  • Add a phone number and recovery email.

Make sure these are current! It’s no help if they point to your second-grade Yahoo account.

6. Manage App Access

Over time, you may connect apps and websites to your Gmail. Some are safe, but others? Not so much.

  • Visit your Google Security Checkup.
  • Scroll to Third-party apps with account access.
  • Revoke anything that looks sketchy or isn’t used anymore.

Only connect apps you trust with your NAU email.

7. Watch for Suspicious Login Alerts

Google does a great job of alerting you about strange activity. If someone logs in from another state—or another country—you’ll usually get an email or push notification.

If you didn’t log in, take action:

  • Change your password immediately.
  • Check your account activity.
  • Enable 2-Step Verification (if you haven’t yet!)
  • Report any issues to ask-stc@nau.edu

8. Clean Out Old Devices

You’ve probably logged into your Gmail on more devices than you remember—campus computers, your roommate’s laptop, maybe even a Smart TV.

  • Visit your Device Activity page.
  • You’ll see a list of gadgets logged into your Google account.
  • Click on anything you don’t recognize and select Sign out.

Think of this like spring cleaning for your inbox!

9. Use Confidential Mode

Sometimes, you need to send sensitive info—like a group project draft or private photos. Use Gmail’s Confidential Mode to protect it.

  • When composing an email, click the lock + clock icon at the bottom.
  • You can set an expiration date and even require a passcode.

It’s like self-destruct for emails—as cool as it sounds!

10. Log Out When You’re Not Using Public Devices

It’s easy to forget this one. But if you check Gmail on a public or shared computer—always log out when you’re done.

  • Click your photo at the top-right corner of Gmail.
  • Click Sign Out.

Better safe than sorry, right?

Bonus: Stay Updated With NAU Alerts

NAU’s ITS team is always looking out for students! They often send tech/news alerts about fake emails or ongoing threats.

Stay in the loop by following the instructions on the NAU ITS website or checking your email for official announcements.

Wrap-Up: Your Inbox, Your Responsibility

Keeping your NAU Gmail account safe doesn’t have to be hard—or boring. These simple steps can save you from a major headache later on.

Recap checklist:

  • Use 2-Step Verification
  • Create a strong password
  • Check activity often
  • Don’t fall for phishing scams
  • Keep recovery info updated
  • Remove sketchy app access
  • Respond to suspicious alerts fast
  • Sign out of old devices
  • Use Confidential Mode wisely
  • Log out from public computers

Practice these like your GPA depends on it—because in a way, it kind of does. Happy emailing, and stay secure out there!