Google just rolled out an important update to Search Console that gives website owners more control over security and access. The new tools make it easy to remove unused ownership tokens, also known as verification codes, which can pose risks if left unattended. This update is a game-changer for website security, especially during ownership transitions or personnel changes.
Why Unused Tokens are a Problem
Ownership tokens establish who has control over a website in various Google products, including Search Console and Merchant Center. But when these tokens are left behind after ownership changes, they can become a security liability. Unused tokens mean that former owners or employees might still have access to sensitive data and settings.
Google has been working to address this issue, first with improvements to the user and permissions management report. Today’s update takes things a step further by making it simple to verify that unused tokens have been successfully removed.
How to Remove Unused Tokens
The new token removal process is straightforward:
- Go to the Users and permissions section in Search Console
- Click on “Unused ownership tokens”
- Select the tokens you want to remove and confirm
- Click “Verify removal” to double-check the tokens are gone
Why This Matters for SEO
While removing unused tokens won’t directly impact your search rankings, it’s still an important part of SEO best practices. Here’s why:
- Security is essential: Protecting your website from unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts should be a top priority. Unused tokens are an often-overlooked vulnerability.
- Maintains data integrity: You want to ensure that only current, authorized personnel have access to your Search Console data. Old tokens can lead to errors and confusion.
- Compliance and auditing: For businesses in regulated industries or with strict data privacy requirements, being able to verify token removal is crucial for maintaining compliance.
Key Takeaways
Let’s recap the main points about Google’s Search Console security update:
- You can now easily remove unused ownership tokens
- Verifying removal prevents unauthorized access
- The update enhances security during ownership changes
- Removing tokens won’t affect search rankings
- It’s an important part of overall SEO best practices
Google’s focus on improving token management tools shows their commitment to helping website owners maintain a secure online presence. By staying on top of access control, you can protect your site and your data.
Next Steps
Ready to check your site for unused tokens? Here’s what to do:
- Log in to Search Console
- Navigate to the Users and permissions section
- Follow the steps to remove and verify any unused tokens
- Make it a regular habit to audit your token access
Keeping your website secure is an ongoing process, but tools like this make it much easier. Take advantage of Google’s new token removal features to ensure your site is protected.
