What is this new setting to make my privacy?
The new Gmail parameter exposes you to anyone with a Google Plus account, which is basically anyone considering the social network had 300 million active users by October, according to USA Today. Since Google is exposing your email box in one of its users to Google Plus, this means that the company may be putting your privacy at risk because it is allowing foreigners to send you all kinds of messages, including phishing links and other spam or malware.
Is it possible to withdraw from these emails?
Fortunately, there is a way to prevent foreigners to send you emails that can save your inbox and identity spam messages . To change this setting, click the gear icon at the top right of your Gmail homepage and click the "Settings" option in the menu.
This will take you to the General Settings page, where you can see a variety of settings ranging from police emails automatic response alerts that you can use when you are away from your e- mail for a prolonged amount of time. Scroll halfway down the page and you will see a setting called "Email via Google+" and the description "Who can send you an email via your Google+ profile." This parameter is automatically set to "Everyone on Google+." To change it, click on the automatic setting that opens the drop-down menu, then decide which setting best suits your privacy preferences.
We recommend you select "No one" because it means you will not receive emails from someone on Google Plus, no matter if they are in your circle or not. We believe this is the best setting because, frankly, if a Google Plus user wants to send you an email for commercial and personal purposes, then they should already have your email address or know other ways to enter in contact with you, as you add and display your Google plus page or create a Google Hangout with Google more private.
If you choose to enable Google users to email you, it is important to remember that all the information in their emails may not be authentic or safe. For example, one of the emails you receive could include a link to a random website. It is essential that you do not click on the link if you do not recognize or know personally the user because the link may include some sort of keylogging virus that will track all activity on your keyboard, or other malware designed to collect your personal data information.
Visit our identity theft protection blog for more tips and additional steps you can take to protect your identity in all aspects of your life.