(NEXSTAR) — Did you see concerning reports this weekend that the password to your Gmail account needed to be changed immediately over concerns of a data breach? Have no fear — Google said that isn't the case, but there are still steps you can take to protect your account.

Several outlets reported over the weekend that Google was warning roughly 2.5 billion users to protect their accounts and change their passwords due to data breaches. That, however, was not exactly the case.

In a statement Monday, Google said there was no "major Gmail security warning" at all.

"We want to reassure our users that Gmail’s protections are strong and effective," the company said in a Labor Day blog post. "Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false."

"While it’s always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users," the post continued.

Earlier this summer, Google did warn of a security incident that impacted its corporate Salesforce server. However, Google said in early August that "the data retrieved by the threat actor was confined to basic and largely publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details."

Access was cut off relatively quickly, Google's Threat Intelligence Group said, and those who were directly affected were notified early last month. That means if you were among the small number of users impacted, you're likely already aware.

As for the rest of Gmail users, while there was no genuine, widespread alert about account security, Google has warned of an increase in activity by attackers. Mashable notes that, in July, Google reported "heightened pressure on two fronts" — phishing and credential theft, and cookie and authentication token theft.

How to secure your Google account

While Google stands by the security of its Gmail accounts, and you could simply change your password if you're concerned, the company does offer some tips to help enhance protection.

That could include Passkeys, billed as "easier and more secure" than your traditional password. Simply, a Google Passkey uses your fingerprint, face, screen lock, or a security key to grant you access to your account, or "as a second step when signing in with your password." It's like using Apple's Face ID to unlock your iPhone.

Similarly, you could use 2-Step Verification. This could include the aforementioned Passkeys (though if you use this as your primary log-in method, you won't need a second step, according to Google), a security key, a Google prompt, an authenticator app, your phone number, or a backup code.

Google also recommends keeping an eye out for attempts by malicious actors to access your information. This includes emails that ask for your private information or encourage you to visit a link to input your information. Messages that sound too good to be true also shouldn't be trusted.

If you believe you've received an email from someone trying to steal your personal information, you can report it to Google. In the email, next to the "Reply" button, you can select the "More" option, and "Report phishing."