Learn About Security Checkup Options and Resources

Understanding Security Checkup Tools and What They Do

A security checkup is a tool that walks you through your online accounts and settings to look for potential problems. These tools scan for things like weak passwords, unauthorized access, outdated security settings, and connected apps or devices you may have forgotten about. Think of it like a home inspection for your digital life—it identifies issues so you can fix them.

Most major technology companies offer their own security checkup tools. Google has Google Security Checkup, Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Dashboard, and Apple provides privacy settings reviews. Facebook, Amazon, and other large platforms have similar features built into their account settings. These tools are typically found in your account settings or security sections of each platform.

Security checkups differ from antivirus software or password managers. While those tools actively protect your devices or store passwords, security checkups are informational—they show you what's happening with your accounts and settings. You then decide what changes to make. They don't cost money and are part of the service you already use when you have an account with these companies.

The purpose of learning about these tools is to understand what information they provide and how to interpret what they tell you. For example, a checkup might show that you haven't changed your password in two years, or that a service you used in 2015 still has permission to access your account. Armed with this information, you can make decisions about your security.

Practical takeaway: Start by identifying which online accounts matter most to you—email, social media, banking, shopping, work accounts. These are the ones that would cause the most trouble if someone accessed them without permission. These are good candidates for running security checkups.

How to Access Security Checkup Features on Major Platforms

Google Security Checkup can be found by going to myaccount.google.com and looking for the "Security" section on the left side menu. Once there, you'll see an option that says "Security Checkup" which walks you through a guided tour of your account settings. The tool checks things like your recovery email and phone number, connected devices, active sessions, and third-party app permissions. The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Microsoft's security tools are located at account.microsoft.com. Click on "Security" in the menu, and you'll see options including "Recent activity," "Device security," and "Password security." These sections show you which devices are signed into your Microsoft account, where you've recently logged in from, and security recommendations based on Microsoft's analysis. Microsoft also offers a separate tool called "Microsoft Security Dashboard" that provides broader security information.

Apple users can access privacy and security settings by going to appleid.apple.com and signing in. The "Security" section shows your devices, recovery options, and app passwords. Apple also integrates security information into device settings—on iPhones and Macs, you can find privacy controls in Settings under Privacy and Security. These show which apps have permission to access your camera, microphone, location, and contacts.

Facebook's security tools are in Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. This page shows where you're logged in, recent login attempts, and recognized devices. Amazon's security settings are found in "Account & Lists," then "Your Account," then "Login & Security." Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social platforms have similar security sections within their settings menus.

Practical takeaway: Bookmark or note the direct links to security settings for your three most-used accounts. Spend 15 minutes this week logging into each one and getting familiar with where the security information lives. You don't need to make changes—just know where to find these tools when you want to use them.

What Information Security Checkups Typically Reveal

Security checkups show you a picture of your account's current state. One of the most common findings is a list of connected devices—all the phones, tablets, computers, and other gadgets that are currently signed into your account. This includes devices you might not use anymore. For example, you might see a laptop you sold three years ago still listed as active, or a work computer you no longer access.

These tools also display active sessions and login locations. This shows where and when someone (hopefully you) has recently signed into your account. If you see a login from a city where you've never been or a time when you were asleep, this could indicate unauthorized access. Most platforms show the approximate location based on the internet address used, the date and time of login, and what device or browser was used.

Security checkups reveal which third-party applications and services have permission to access your account. You might see that a game you played once has permission to read your contacts, or a weather app can access your location history. These permissions were often granted without much thought when you first used the app. Checkups make these permissions visible so you can decide whether to remove access.

Another common finding is information about your recovery options. These are phone numbers and backup email addresses connected to your account. If you lose access to your main email or password, these recovery options are how you prove it's really you so you can regain access. Security checkups show whether these are current and working. They may also note if you haven't updated these recovery details in a long time.

Practical takeaway: When you run a security checkup, make a list of three types of information you find: (1) connected devices you recognize, (2) any suspicious login locations or times, and (3) third-party apps with access to your account. This list becomes your action plan for what to review or change.

Taking Action Based on Security Checkup Results

Once you understand what a security checkup shows you, the next step is deciding what to do about the findings. The most straightforward action is removing access from devices you no longer use. If you see a phone you sold or a computer that broke, you can remotely sign out of that device. This prevents anyone who might have that old device from accessing your account. Platforms typically offer a button that says "Sign out," "Remove device," or "End session."

If your checkup reveals a third-party app with access you don't want to give, you can remove that permission. For Google accounts, go to "Third-party apps & services" and click on any app you want to disconnect. For Microsoft accounts, look in "Manage your app permissions." Removing access is immediate and doesn't affect the app's other functions—the app just can't access your account data anymore. You can always reconnect it later if you change your mind.

Recovery information should be kept current. If your phone number or backup email address has changed, update it in your security settings. This is where having a backup email account comes in handy. Many people set up a second email address specifically for recovery purposes. This ensures that if someone gains access to your main email, you have another way to prove your identity and regain control.

Password changes are another action security checkups often recommend. If you see that you haven't changed your password in several years, or if you suspect someone may have accessed your account, changing your password is straightforward. Create a new password that's at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using information that's publicly known about you, like your birthdate or pet's name.

Practical takeaway: Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for account name, last checkup date, and one action you're taking as a result. For example: "Gmail, March 2024, removed access for old fitness app." Update this every three to six months. This keeps you from forgetting which accounts you've reviewed.

Resources for Learning More About Account Security

Most technology companies publish security guides and educational materials directly on their websites. Google offers Security and Privacy Help Center at support.google.com, which has detailed articles about securing Gmail, Google Drive, and other services. Microsoft provides similar resources at microsoft.com/security, which includes tips about password security, device security, and recognizing phishing attempts. These guides are written for regular users and don't require technical knowledge to understand.

Government agencies also publish free information about cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, maintains a website at cisa.gov with resources for individuals and small businesses. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at consumer.ftc.gov offers guides about protecting your personal information, recognizing scams, and securing your accounts. These resources are research-based and regularly updated.

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