How to Protect Your Google Business Profile from Hackers and Unauthorized Changes
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a crucial asset for your business. It helps customers find your location, read reviews, and get important details about your services. However, cybercriminals and malicious actors often target GBPs to hijack listings, make unauthorized edits, or even get them suspended. If your profile is compromised, it can lead to lost customers, revenue, and credibility. With the rise in online threats, it is more important than ever to implement security measures that protect your profile and your reputation.
Let’s cover some of the best ways to protect your Google Business Profile from hackers and unauthorized changes so you can keep your online presence secure.
Why Is Your Google Business Profile at Risk?
Your GBP is an essential part of your business’s online presence, which makes it a prime target for hackers and fraudsters. Here’s a closer look at how some of these attacks can unfold:
Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common methods hackers use to compromise accounts. Cybercriminals may send fraudulent emails that appear to be from Google, tricking you into sharing your login credentials. These emails can look incredibly legitimate, even mimicking Google’s design and tone, making it difficult to recognize the threat.Unauthorized Ownership Requests
Hackers or malicious competitors may try to claim ownership of your business listing by submitting fraudulent requests. If they successfully take control of your GBP, they can make harmful edits, alter key business information, or even lock you out of your own profile.Fake Edits from Users
Google allows users to suggest edits to business profiles, which can be helpful for ensuring accurate information. However, this feature also leaves the door open for bad actors to suggest misleading or incorrect changes. They could alter your business hours, address, or even remove photos and reviews, potentially confusing your customers.Compromised Google Accounts
If hackers gain access to your Google account credentials, they can take full control of your GBP. This can lead to unauthorized changes, data breaches, or even the suspension of your account if the hackers engage in unethical practices.Third-Party Access Risks
Many businesses rely on marketing agencies, web designers, or other third parties to help manage their GBP. While these relationships are important, they can also expose your account to security vulnerabilities. If these third parties are not careful with their access, they could unintentionally expose your profile to malicious actors.
Understanding these threats is the first step to preventing them. Now, let’s explore how you can secure your GBP effectively.
Step 1: Strengthen Your Google Account Security
Since your Google Business Profile is linked to your Google account, securing that account is your first line of defense against hackers. A compromised Google account can lead to disastrous results for your business profile.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring both your password and a secondary verification method (such as a text message code or authentication app) to log in. This ensures that even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor of verification.
How to set up 2FA:
Go to your Google Account Security page.
Click on "2-Step Verification" and follow the prompts.
Choose your preferred verification method (SMS, authentication app, or security key).
Make sure you select a verification method that’s convenient but also highly secure. An authentication app, like Google Authenticator, is often more secure than SMS-based codes, as it’s less susceptible to SIM swapping attacks.
Use a Strong, Unique Password
Avoid using generic passwords like "businessname123" or "password123." Instead, create a long, complex password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Tip: Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to securely store your login credentials. These tools can help you generate strong passwords and protect your accounts from being hacked through weak passwords.
Step 2: Protect Ownership and Management Access
Your Google Business Profile is a valuable asset, and it is important to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to it. Limiting access is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized changes.
Limit Access to Trusted Individuals
Only grant access to trusted employees or marketing agencies who are responsible for managing your business’s online presence. You can assign roles based on necessity, which will help minimize exposure.
Google Business Profile Roles:
Owner – Has full control over the profile, including adding or removing users, managing settings, and making any changes.
Manager – Can update business information and view insights, but cannot remove or add other users.
How to manage users on your GBP:
Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard.
Click "Business Profile Settings" → "People and access."
Review the list of users regularly and remove anyone who should no longer have access.
Beware of Unauthorized Ownership Requests
Occasionally, you may receive an email stating that someone has requested ownership of your GBP. If you don’t recognize the name or email address, reject the request immediately. Always verify the legitimacy of any ownership requests to prevent malicious actors from hijacking your profile.
Step 3: Monitor Your Profile for Suspicious Activity
Once your account is secure, it’s important to stay vigilant and monitor your profile for any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.
Set Up Email Alerts for Changes
Google notifies business owners when significant changes are made to their profiles. These notifications can be vital in detecting unauthorized activity. Always read these alerts carefully and act quickly if you notice any changes you didn’t authorize.
Regularly Check Your GBP Information
Set a weekly or monthly reminder to review your GBP for any unexpected changes. Check key business details, including:
Business hours
Address and phone number
Website link
Business categories
Photos, videos, and other media
If you spot anything incorrect, update it immediately through your Google Business Profile dashboard.
Monitor Customer Reviews
Sometimes, hackers will post fake negative reviews to damage your business’s reputation. If you notice any suspicious reviews, report them to Google for removal. You can also respond to legitimate reviews to engage with customers and show that you care about their feedback.
Step 4: Defend Against Fake Edits and Suspensions
Keeping your business profile as secure as possible is essential to prevent disruptions.
Lock Down Your Business Information
While Google allows anyone to suggest edits to your profile, you can make it harder for unauthorized users to make significant changes by regularly updating and verifying your business information.
Keep your business details accurate and up to date.
Add verified content like photos, videos, and detailed descriptions to make your profile more reliable.
Regularly engage with customer reviews and questions to show activity and legitimacy.
Watch Out for Suspicious Activities That Could Lead to Suspension
Google may suspend your GBP if it detects suspicious activity, such as:
Hackers changing your business details to misleading or prohibited content.
Multiple reports of spam or fraud.
Violating Google’s GBP guidelines by engaging in unethical practices.
If your GBP gets suspended, Reinstate Labs can help you reinstate it quickly and ensure compliance with Google’s policies.
Step 5: Use Additional Security Tools
Google Business Profile API for Large Businesses
If your business has multiple locations, consider using the Google Business Profile API to automate updates securely. This tool can help you manage and monitor multiple profiles, preventing unauthorized changes across all locations.
Google Search Console
Verifying your business website with Google Search Console adds an extra layer of security and control over your business information. By connecting your site to Google’s search tools, you can quickly spot issues related to your GBP and take corrective action.
Step 6: What to Do If Your GBP Is Hacked or Suspended
Even with the best precautions in place, there’s always a chance that a hacker might still gain access to your profile. Here’s what you should do if your GBP is compromised:
Try to Recover Access
Go to your GBP dashboard and check if you still have access.
If you've lost ownership, follow Google’s "Request Ownership" process to regain control.
Report Unauthorized Changes to Google
Visit the Google Business Profile Help Center.
Submit a "Fix a Problem" request regarding hacking or ownership issues.
Secure Your Google Account
Immediately change your password to something more secure.
Remove any unauthorized users from your GBP.
Get Professional Help
If your profile has been compromised or suspended, Reinstate Labs specializes in recovering suspended Google Business Profiles. We ensure your business gets reinstated and protected against future attacks.
Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers
Your Google Business Profile is too valuable to leave unprotected. By securing your Google account, monitoring your business profile, and taking action against unauthorized changes, you can keep your listing safe from hackers and cyber threats.
If your GBP has been hacked, suspended, or tampered with, Reinstate Labs can help you recover it quickly and safeguard your online presence. Contact us today for expert assistance!
