• Posted by: Eng. Donya Bino
• February 17, 2026

One Google Setting Stops 90% of Account Takeovers

There is one single Google setting that blocks the vast majority of account takeovers, especially the ones that succeed after a password is already stolen.

That setting is Advanced Protection (also called Advanced Protection Program).
When enabled, it makes traditional account takeover almost impossible, even if the attacker has your password + SMS code or authenticator app code.

Why Advanced Protection Is So Effective
Normal 2FA (SMS, authenticator app, push notification) can be bypassed with:
1. real-time phishing (you enter the code on a fake page)
2. SIM swap (attacker ports your number)
3. malware that reads SMS / clipboard / notifications
4. session theft (if they get your cookie)
Advanced Protection removes all those paths by requiring a physical security key (YubiKey, Google Titan, Feitian, etc.) for every login and it disables less secure methods entirely.

Once turned on:
1. No SMS 2FA allowed anymore
2. No authenticator app codes
3. No backup codes (unless you print them in advance)
4. No recovery via email/SMS alone
5. Login requires the physical key (USB or NFC) every time or your phone as a key via Google Play Services (still hardware-bound)

Attackers can't phish a physical key. They can't SIM-swap it. They can't steal it remotely with malware. The only way in is to physically steal your key, which is orders of magnitude harder than stealing a code.

Real-World Impact (Numbers & Examples)
Google has stated publicly (and security firms have confirmed) that Advanced Protection users see ~90–99% reduction in successful account takeovers compared to standard 2FA users.

Examples from public reports:
1. Journalists, activists, and executives targeted by state-sponsored phishing (Pegasus-style, Hermit, Predator) almost never get compromised once on Advanced Protection, attackers simply can't complete the login without the key.

2. Among those who turned on BEC ( Business Email Compromise) protection,  the number of serious BEC cases has decreased significantly, with attackers getting to the key challenge and quitting. 

3. Advanced Protection was essentially the only reason a targeted group of users during the phishing campaigns targeting crypto users and finance staff were not impacted by those attacks during the timeframe mentioned in 2024-2025.

Who Should Use It (and When)
It is not for everyone, it trades some convenience for very high security.
Enable it if:
1. You work with confidential data (finance, healthcare, legal, government)
2. You are a target for high-profile people (journalist, activist, executive, owner of cryptocurrency)
3. You have been phishing or are already a target
4. You want the highest level of protection and do not mind using a physical key to access your account

Do not enable it if:
1. You frequently misplace your keychain
2. You travel lightly and cannot bring a physical key with you
3. You share a device with FAMILY and do not have your physical key

How to Enable it (5 Minutes)
1. Go to myaccount.google.com/security
2. Search Signing into Google
3. Click Advanced Protection
4. Click Get Started
5. Follow the steps for adding TWO physical keys (USB-C/NFC keys like YubiKey 5 or Google Titan would be best/cheapest)
6. Save backup by verifying your mobile phone (optional but strongly advised)
7. Done, next login will require the key

Important: Add two keys before enabling, if you lose one, the second is your recovery path. Print backup codes and store them safely offline.

This one setting removes the weakest link in most account takeovers: the ability to complete login remotely with just a code. For high-risk users, it's the single biggest upgrade you can make.