How To Stop Chrome & iPhone Account Takeovers: A 15-Minute Security Reset For Google And Apple Users
How to Reduce your risk of Chrome, Gmail, Google, iCloud or iPhone account takeover attacks
The 15-Minute Security Reset For All Google And Apple Users (do this immediately)
To reduce your risk of account takeovers, you must limit browser data exposure and adopt a zero-trust approach to security prompts. Start by disabling Chrome’s ability to sync passwords and payment details; move credentials to a dedicated strong password manager and delete old synced cloud data. Next, harden your Google and Apple accounts by enabling passkeys or app-based 2FA instead of SMS, and audit browser extensions to remove potential spyware. Crucially, defend against social engineering: never share verification codes, ignore unsolicited “support” calls, and deny any 2FA request you didn’t personally trigger. Attackers now prioritize hijacking browser sessions and manipulating recovery flows over simple password guessing. By isolating your passwords from your browser and refusing to validate unexpected login attempts, you neutralize the primary methods hackers use to compromise your digital identity.
If you only read one thing, make it this.
To reduce your risk of Chrome, Gmail, Google, iCloud or iPhone account takeover attacks:
Limit what Chrome syncs across devices and stop syncing passwords and payment details.
Move your passwords out of Chrome into a dedicated strong password manager.
Lock down your Google Account with a strong unique password, passkeys or app-based 2FA, and a quick security check-up.
Secure your iPhone and Apple ID and treat all unsolicited “Apple Support” calls or texts as scams until proven otherwise.
Adopt a zero-trust habit with security prompts: never share verification codes; never tap “Yes” on a sign-in you didn’t start yourself.
Recent warnings from Google and Apple confirm the pattern: attackers are no longer guessing passwords, they are hijacking your browser, your phone and your recovery flows.
This guide walks you through each change step-by-step.
1. Why Chrome and your iPhone are now “master keys”
Security people used to say “your email is the key to your digital life.” That is now too small.
Today, two things act as your master keys:
Your browser, usually Chrome, with synced data, saved passwords, auto-filled payment cards and session cookies.
Your phone, usually an iPhone or Android, holding your SMS codes, app-based 2FA and device prompts for Google, Apple, banks and everything else.
Attackers have adapted:
Google has warned that “account takeovers” are rising fast and specifically calls out Chrome Sync, passwords, cookies and MFA tokens as high-value targets.
Security researchers are seeing campaigns that use real Gmail / Google security prompts combined with fake “Google support” phone calls to trick you into handing over recovery codes.
Apple users are being hit by a new wave of Apple Support scams that use genuine-looking Apple emails and real 2FA prompts, then redirect victims to fake “Apple” sites to harvest passwords and codes.
The problem is no longer “is your password strong enough?”
The problem is “how much damage can someone do if they get into your Google or Apple account once?”
The good news: with a short, focused reset you can heavily reduce your risk.
At integrated.social we normally talk about AI marketing, AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) and growth. This time we’re applying the same mindset to your personal security: focus on the biggest risks, then fix them with simple, high-impact steps.
2. Step 1 – Lock down Chrome and browser sync
2.1 Turn off “sync everything” in Chrome
Why: If someone compromises your Google Account, Chrome Sync can hand them your passwords, history, cookies and payment methods in one go.
What to do (desktop Chrome):
Open Chrome → Settings → You and Google → Sync and Google services.
If you see “Sync everything” enabled:
Switch to “Customise sync”.
Turn off at least:
Passwords
Payment methods / Wallet
Optionally turn off:
History
Open tabs
Addresses, extensions, apps you don’t need synced.
This doesn’t stop you using Chrome; it just removes some of the most sensitive information from your Google cloud account.
2.2 Reset old Chrome Sync data
If Chrome has been syncing everything for years, old data is already sitting in Google’s cloud.
On the same Sync page, look for “Reset sync” or “Clear synced data” (you may be redirected to a Google Account page in your browser).
Confirm you want to wipe the stored sync data.
This does not delete local data on your device. It just clears what’s stored on Google’s servers.
Think of this as flushing old sensitive data out of the cloud.
2.3 Stop using Chrome as your main password manager
There is a long-running debate about “Is Chrome’s password manager safe?” Cybersecurity pros repeatedly advise using a dedicated password manager instead.
Recommended move:
Export your passwords from Chrome as a backup CSV.
Import that CSV into a password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane or a self-hosted KeePass option.
In Chrome → Settings → Autofill → Password Manager:
Turn off “Offer to save passwords”.
Turn off “Auto sign-in”.
From this point, Chrome is just a browser, not a vault.
2.4 Audit your extensions
A recent spyware campaign managed to turn legitimate-looking Chrome and Edge extensions into full-blown malware that stole browsing history, cookies and credentials from more than 4 million users.
Do this:
Go to chrome://extensions/.
Remove anything:
You don’t recognise
You no longer use
With poor reviews or very few users.
For the rest, ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or is it just nice-to-have?” The fewer extensions, the smaller your attack surface.
3. Step 2 – Harden your Google Account and Gmail
Your Google Account is “root access” for your digital life. Treat it accordingly.
3.1 Run a Google Security Check-Up
Go to myaccount.google.com/security.
Look for “Security Check-Up” or “Get started”.
Work through:
Devices you don’t recognise → sign them out.
Third-party apps with access → revoke anything you don’t use.
Recent security events → mark anything suspicious as “Not me” and follow the prompts.
3.2 Upgrade your Google login
Set a long, unique password for your Google Account and store it only in your password manager. Do not reuse it anywhere else.
Add passkeys or app-based 2FA:
Prefer: security keys, passkeys, or TOTP apps (Keeper (highly recommended), Google Authenticator, Authy, 1Password, etc.).
Avoid relying purely on SMS codes; SIM-swap and phishing attacks target these.
Google itself is pushing users toward passkeys and stronger multi-factor authentication because account takeover attempts are increasing.
3.3 New rule: no more “mystery prompts”
Attackers are abusing the fact that anyone can start a password reset for your Gmail address, generating real Google prompts and emails, then calling you pretending to be “Google Support” to harvest your codes.
Adopt this simple rule:
If you did not personally start a login or password reset, every Google prompt is suspicious by default.
Practical steps:
If you see a “Is this you?” prompt on your phone and you’re not signing in somewhere:
Tap No or simply dismiss it.
Go to myaccount.google.com directly and review recent activity.
If someone calls saying:
“Your Gmail is under attack”, or
“We’re Google, read us the verification code you see now…”
…hang up. Google does not need your recovery code over the phone.
4. Step 3 – Protect your iPhone from “Apple Support” Scam Calls
Apple users are being hit by sophisticated scams that use real Apple emails, genuine 2FA prompts and even real support tickets to make fake Apple Support calls look legitimate.
4.1 Secure your Apple ID
On your iPhone:
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Password & Security.
Set a strong, unique password (again, stored in your password manager).
Ensure Two-Factor Authentication is turned On.
Review Trusted Phone Numbers and remove old or unused numbers.
4.2 Learn Apple’s official advice (it’s very clear)
Apple’s own guidance on social engineering is blunt:
“Don’t answer suspicious phone calls or messages claiming to be from Apple. Instead, contact Apple directly through our official support channels.”
So:
Treat any unsolicited Apple call, text or email about “suspicious activity” as a scam until you have verified it yourself by:
Going directly to appleid.apple.com, or
Using the Apple Support app, or
Visiting support.apple.com and initiating contact from there.
4.3 Never share verification codes. Ever.
In multiple real-world cases, scammers convinced Apple users to type, read or paste genuine 2FA codes into fake “Apple” websites or disclose them over the phone. That was enough to take over the account.
Golden rule:
No legitimate Apple, Google, bank or tech support agent will ever ask you to share a 2FA code.
If anyone does, that is your signal to end the call or chat immediately.
4.4 Check your Apple ID device list
Regular quick check:
On iPhone, go to Settings → [Your Name].
Scroll down to see all devices signed into your Apple ID.
If you see a device you don’t recognise:
Tap it → Remove from account.
Immediately change your Apple ID password and review your email for security alerts.
4.5 Ignore “Apple security alert” pop-ups and SMS
Scams now use urgent-sounding SMS or browser pop-ups such as:
“Your Apple ID has been locked due to suspicious activity – call this number now.”
“Your iPhone is infected with malware – tap here to clean it.”
Security guidance is consistent:
Do not click the link or call the number.
If you are worried, open:
Your bank app, or
Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases / Payment & Shipping, or
appleid.apple.com
directly to verify activity.
5. Step 4 – New habits: a simple “never do this” checklist
These behavioural changes are where most people win or lose.
Never:
Never read out a verification code to anyone on the phone.
Never paste a 2FA code into a website that you did not open yourself.
Never click a security link in an unexpected email or SMS.
Never assume caller ID is real; numbers can be spoofed.
Never reuse passwords for Google, Apple, email, banking or your password manager.
Never leave Chrome syncing everything if you don’t actually need that convenience.
Always:
Always go directly to the official site or app (Gmail, Google Account, Apple ID, bank) instead of using links in messages.
Always question any “urgent” tone: hackers want you panicked, not thinking.
Always keep your OS, browser and apps updated.
6. Why this matters for you (and your business)
If you’re reading this on integrated.social, you probably care about:
Growth marketing
AI tools
SEO and AEO
Protecting your business and clients
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
A single compromised Google or Apple account in your team can expose:
Client emails and contracts
Ad accounts and payment methods
Shared docs, strategy decks, even AI prompts and outputs
Browser-based spyware and malicious extensions can quietly hijack work logins, dashboards and cloud tools.
Treat this 15-minute reset as part of your basic hygiene, just like updating your marketing attribution model or fixing your tracking.
At integrated.social we focus on AI-first marketing, SEO, AEO and performance. But none of that matters if attackers walk straight through the front door of your browser or phone.
7. Download the one-page checklist
If you want to run this as a mini-project with your team, friends or family:
Sharing this is one of the easiest ways to protect the people around you from very real attacks.
Relevant FAQs Questions to Help You Secure Your Gmail Account:
1. How do I know if my Google or Gmail account has been hacked?
Look for:
Security alerts from Google about new sign-ins or password changes.
Password reset emails you did not request.
Emails sent from your account that you don’t recognise.
Then:
Go to myaccount.google.com/security.
Review Recent security events and Your devices.
If you see suspicious activity, mark it as “Not you” and follow Google’s recovery steps.
2. Is Chrome’s built-in password manager safe enough?
Chrome’s password manager encrypts your passwords, but:
It is tied to your Google Account and Chrome Sync.
Malware, malicious extensions or a compromised Google login can expose everything at once.
That is why many security professionals recommend using a dedicated password manager plus limited browser sync instead.
3. What should I do if I clicked a fake Apple security alert?
Close the page immediately.
Do not call any number or install any app the page recommended.
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Password & Security and change your Apple ID password.
Turn on 2FA if it’s not already enabled.
Review your Apple ID device list and remove any unknown devices.
If you entered your card details on a suspicious site, contact your bank urgently.
4. Someone called me saying they’re from “Google Support” or “Apple Support” and my account is under attack. Is that legit?
Almost certainly not.
Google and Apple do not call you out of the blue to ask for verification codes or passwords.
This is a common social-engineering script used to steal 2FA codes and take over accounts.
Hang up, then log directly into your account via the official website or app to check for alerts.
5. What is a passkey and should I enable it?
A passkey replaces passwords with cryptographic keys stored on your devices. When you log in:
You confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your device PIN.
The site verifies your key; there is no password to steal or phish.
Google, Apple and many major services are rolling out passkeys because they are more resistant to phishing and credential stuffing than passwords + SMS codes.
Short answer: yes, you should enable passkeys on high-value accounts when offered.
6. Should I still use SMS codes for two-factor authentication?
SMS 2FA is better than nothing, but:
SMS messages can be intercepted via SIM-swap attacks.
Attackers regularly trick people into reading out SMS codes on the phone.
Where possible:
Prefer app-based codes (TOTP), passkeys or hardware keys.
Keep SMS as a backup, not your primary factor.
About Modi Elnadi
I’m a Head of Growth & Performance Marketing specialising in PPC, SEO, AEO and AI-driven media strategy across EMEA and the US. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve led multi-million-pound budgets for brands in tech, telecoms, FMCG, retail, financial services and eCommerce, building integrated frameworks that connect answer engines, search, paid social, Amazon Ads and Performance Max to hard commercial outcomes.
My current focus is on agentic AI for growth marketing – designing workflows where AI copilots support everything from keyword research, creative testing and CRO to forecasting, budget allocation and executive reporting. I write and speak regularly about AI search, AI ads, AEO, and the future of performance marketing.
If you’d like to compare notes on ChatGPT ads, Gemini AI Mode, AEO or AI-native PPC, feel free to connect here on LinkedIn.
