2

I am frequently asked to log into clients google analytics and adwords accounts. If I forget to log out before visiting other google properties (google search, youtube etc), this leaves tracks of my views/searches etc, exposing my activities to the client.

Summary:

  1. Client gives me access to their Google Analytics / AdWords account
  2. I log into clients Analytics account and do some stuff
  3. Then in another tab I perform some related google searches to solve some related issues
  4. Issues solved, I then close the Analytics tab
  5. I then visit google.com, perform some unrelated searches
  6. I then visit YouTube, view some unrelated videos
  7. All Web and YouTube searches are recorded in clients google account, thus leaking potentially sensitive data

Even assuming that I remember to log out correctly at step 4 (as I do 95% of the time), anything I do at step 3 is exposed to the client. I would be surprised if this is not a very common issue.

I'm looking for a technical solution to ensure that this can never happen. Any ideas?

Improve this question
4
  • 3
    Remember to log out.
    – John Conde ♦
    Commented Mar 31, 2012 at 13:14
  • 1
    Amusing, but unless you are categorically stating that there is NO other solution, not very helpful!
    – Satellite
    Commented Mar 31, 2012 at 13:22
  • Exactly which part of the security problem concerns you? Some one may access your pc and use the account? or some one remotely accessing your pc? or the cookies that are left by google?
    – Meki
    Commented Mar 31, 2012 at 13:31
  • Sorry if I was not clear, I have amended the original question with more info.
    – Satellite
    Commented Mar 31, 2012 at 13:54

6 Answers 6

Reset to default
1

I don't really have the same security issue, but I'm often logged into two accounts at the same time: My personal account with G+, AdWords, Analytics etc, and my AdWords MCC account (which requires a separate Google Account). My solution to the problem is to use two different browsers: I use Firefox and Chrome; the sessions are separated so shouldn't get mixed up. You should use one browser for your personal activity and another for your clients.

Another solution, although not quite so good, is to use separate Google top level domains: I don't think this works for all their services, but it should at least work for search. The cookies from google.com won't be passed to a regional site like google.co.uk or google.com.au, so you will start a new session.

Improve this answer
1

You can tell google to disable the search history for those accounts, you can also use the disconnect plugin in your browser, which is designed to stop some of that snooping - no idea if it will stop google logging your search history for a logged in account but its worth a look.

Improve this answer
1

Use one browser only for your clients, such as Opera, use another for yourself, such as Chrome.

Sessions are not transferred between the Browsers.

Improve this answer
1
1

It is because you forget to logout clients Google account. Google search and YouTube are services provided by Google. So if the history is ON on clients account it will store all the searches.That is what happened here.

Improve this answer
1
  • Please do not add a signature or link to your website in your answers.
    – John Conde ♦
    Commented Apr 1, 2012 at 2:17
0

Login at your clients' accounts, only at chrome incognito mode. It does not keep any cookie.

Improve this answer
0

Asking clients to share their account information is asking for trouble - there is no reason that you should have this information (as you've noticed, it can lead to confusion and, if the client's account were to be accessed by an unauthorized party, you might be blamed).

Have your clients add your Google account as an authorized user instead:

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.