One of the comforts offered by a Gmail is that it gives you access to all services of Google. Among them, the possibility of using it to SSO (single sign-on, or single login). This allows you, on the websites and apps that support it, Enter without the need to go through the process of creating a new user Specific for that site.
It is an important one Time savingsbut over the years one accumulates platforms in which he leaves his data and in which, in many cases, Neither come back.
Although generally the data requested are few (the most common, name, email address and profile image), this ends For assuming a risk for several reasons.
The dangers of using your Gmail account for session on third -party websites
- False security sensation: Some users assume that ‘logo with Google’ automatically implies maximum security, but if they do not use two steps authentication (2FA), you are exposed to account theft.
- Data leaks: If the website keeps your personal data without encryption or with bad security practices and suffers a gap, your data may end up exposed even if Google has not been compromised.
- Excessive data collection: Some websites ask for more permits than necessary (such as access to your contacts, calendar, etc.). If you accept, they can save more sensitive information from the Google account, which will also be exposed if that website is hacked.
- Vulnerabilities on the website itself: Technical failures such as SQL or XSS injections can allow access to your data even while legitimately.
- Directed phishing: Being a usual method, attackers can create false sites that imitate the Google login screen to steal credentials. In these cases, they will ask you for authorization to access many more data from your account, including the password, so you always have to pay attention to Google notices at the time of using the account on a third -party website.
- Supplier dependence: If you lose access to your Google account, you lose access to all websites where you used it to authenticate.
- Monitoring and Profile: Google can know which services you access, when and how often, which expands its ability to create detailed profiles about you.
How to unlink your Gmail account of third -party websites
Revoing third -party websites to your Gmail account is Very simple. It is an action that should be performed from time to time and, at least, withdraw it from the sites you no longer visit. Taking into account that Google began offering SSO in 2008although the protocol he uses has evolved since then, a few may have accumulated. You have to follow these steps:
- Access https://myacount.google.com/secury. You will need to have your Google user in the browser to access the security section of your account.
- Show up to the section Your connections with third -party applications and services. Click See all connections.
- On this page Google shows you the applications and services in which you have used the login with Google or have linked the account. You also have A filter that tells you the type of data they access and how many do it.
- Select the platform you want to detach yourself and then Eliminate all the connections you have with (site name). Then click Confirm.
You have to keep in mind that this will prevent these sites from continuing to access your information, but will not eliminate what they have already collected. For that, you must go to the service provider and request the elimination according to the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD)if apply.