Google is offering 2GB of extra Drive storage if you take this security checkup

Marking Safer Internet Day, Google is giving an extra 2GB of Google Drive storage to anyone who completes this security checkup by February 17.

The checkup makes sure your account recovery information is current, asks you to review recent sign-in activity, and lets you see which apps and devices can access your account. It’s a worthwhile exercise and Google has certainly sugared the pill with that gift of extra storage. The company says it’ll give qualifying Google Drive accounts the boost on February 28 and you’ll get an email confirming the change.

➤ Safer Internet Day 2015 [Google Drive Blog]

This Safer Internet Day, we’re reminded how important online safety is and hope you’ll use this as an opportunity to take 2 minutes to complete a simple Security Checkup. While everything stored in Drive is always encrypted in transit and at rest in Google’s custom-built data centers, this checkup ensures you’re making the most of the 24/7 protection you already get from Google. As our way of saying thanks for completing the checkup by 17 February 2015, we’ll give you a permanent 2 gigabyte bump in your Google Drive storage plan.

It takes just a couple of minutes and, unlike other checkups, it won’t leave you feeling guilty about not flossing. Here’s what it does:

Ensures your account recovery information is current
If we detect suspicious activity in your account, we use your recovery info to get in touch and make sure no one but you gains access.
Lets you review recent sign-in activity
Reviewing this lets you validate the sign-ins are coming from you and not someone who shouldn’t be using your credentials.
Confirms the apps and devices that access some account information
This step lets you monitor this list and remove apps and devices that don’t need access to your account any more.

After you’ve gone through the checkup successfully, you’ll see three green checkboxes (see below) that confirm you’re eligible for the free storage and, more importantly, that you’ve taken steps to enhance your online safety. We’ll be granting the storage automatically to everyone around 28 February 2015 and we’ll send you an email when your adjustment is complete.

Ideally, you’ll revisit this checkup every so often or anytime your account changes, like when you get a new phone or replace an old laptop. While this is just one way to help you stay safe online, you can find even more tools and tips in the Google Safety Center.

UPDATE: Google Apps for Work and Google Apps for Education users are not eligible for the bonus storage but should still consider taking the Security Checkup.

Posted by Alex Vogenthaler, Group Product Manager, Google Drive