Starting your YouTube content creation journey is exciting, but securing your channel as early as possible is crucial, this helps to maintain your hard work and your connection with your audience.
Follow the steps below to help prevent your YouTube channel from being hacked, hijacked, or compromised.
How to Prevent Hijacking & Secure Your YouTube Channel
Things to keep in mind
Before replying to a brand deal or sponsorship email, it's best to verify legitimacy by calling the company at a publicly listed number found on trusted platforms or contacting the person that you usually work with.
YouTube will never ask for your password, email address, or other account information in an email, message or phone call.
If someone leaves your team or if you don't recognize the people managing your channel, make sure that you remove their access. Anyone who has access to your channel should review these safety tips.
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When you click into the links below, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your account and reauthenticate.
Use antivirus software and turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing in Google Chrome to avoid malware scams.
For the strongest protection against threats like phishing, set up two-step verification and choose a passkey as your second verification method.
Add recovery options, like your phone number and email address, to your account so that you can quickly recover your account if you ever need to.
Review the connected apps in your account settings and delete any apps you don’t need. Avoid installing unknown apps or apps from unknown sources.
Finally, take actions listed in this Google Account checklist and secure your account linked to your channel.
Note: If you suspect your account has been compromised or are facing other problems, you can find helpful troubleshooting steps and guidance
here.
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