Waking up one morning to find that your email account has been hacked is a nightmare scenario. Anxiety surges as you notice suspicious activities and emails sent to your contacts. As the panic intensifies, you realize that your other accounts might also be at risk. This happens more often than you might think. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 30% of phishing messages get opened by users and this often leads to an email breach.
You should know what to do when your email is hacked and at this point, every second counts. Here’s how to act swiftly and wisely.
Signs Your Email Has Been Hacked
With hackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a compromised email account. Here are some telltale indicators that your email might have been hacked:
Unexpected Login Alerts
Notifications about logins from unknown locations or devices can be a red flag. If you don’t remember logging in from such a location, then something’s probably going on.
Password Change Attempts
Alerts for password changes you didn’t initiate can indicate someone is trying to gain control of your account.
Unfamiliar Emails
Emails in your sent folder that you didn’t send show that someone accessed your account without your permission.
Missing Emails
Important emails have gone missing from your inbox, which may suggest a hacker is intercepting or deleting them.
Increased Spam Activity
A sudden increase in spam messages received or sent from your account can be a sign that your email has been compromised.
Act Immediately When Your Email Is Hacked
If you suspect that your email has been compromised, you must act immediately to limit the damage. Follow these steps to regain control and secure your accounts:
Check Your Account Activity
Keep an eye out for unusual activities on all your accounts, including banking and social media platforms.
Check recent activities and logins for unauthorized access, and disconnect any unknown devices
Update Security Questions
Change your security questions and answers to prevent unauthorized password recovery attempts. Choose questions that are harder to answer and avoid ones that can be easily answered like:
- Your birthdate
- Your school
- Your mother’s maiden name
These are information that can be easily found on other records so it would be best to refrain from using them.
Secure the Recovery Options
Verify that your recovery emails and phone numbers that are linked to your accounts are correct and secure. Also check if these are not compromised.
Contact Service Providers
It would also be wise to inform service providers of the breach to get their recommended steps for securing your accounts. This prevents hackers from accessing any services that are linked to your email.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security. Not only will it require your password, but you’ll also need a one-time code sent to your mobile device.
This reduces the risk of unauthorized access significantly, making it much harder for hackers to get into your account even if they have your password.
Change Your Passwords and Update Them Regularly
Be sure to immediately change your email’s password and make it a habit to do it every few months to reduce the risks of unauthorized access.
Create strong passwords using a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid repetitive or easily guessable information. A password manager can help you store these complex passwords securely, ensuring you don’t have to remember each one.
Consider Professional Help
For severe breaches, consider using cybersecurity services for professional guidance. They are the best people to talk to if your accounts have been accessed without your authorization.
Stay Informed
Educate yourself on recognizing phishing attempts, including common security threats and best practices to safeguard your personal information. Knowing the signs of a phishing email can prevent future hacks and keep your accounts secure. You should also learn how to implement cybersecurity measures for added protection.
Contact Your Email Provider
It would also be a good thing to get in touch directly with your email service provider. They may offer additional support and guidance to help secure your account.
Update Your Banking Credentials
It’s important to do this particularly if the breached email is linked to any of your financial accounts. Notify your bank about the breach, and change passwords for online banking and other financial services.
Notify Your Contacts
This prevents them from falling for any spam or phishing attempts originating from your compromised account. Advise them to be cautious with any unexpected emails from you until everything is resolved.
Implement Data Security Measures
Protect your data using encryption, firewalls, and secure storage systems. These tools safeguard personal and financial information from unauthorized access. Regularly updating your software to patch any vulnerabilities can also go a long way in maintaining the security of your data.
Install Security Software
Make sure that all of your software auto-updates are enabled to maintain protection. Consider using comprehensive security software that includes antivirus, anti-phishing, and malware protection features.
Take Swift Action and Be Proactive!
Securing your accounts after an email breach requires swift action and a proactive approach. Following these steps and staying vigilant helps you regain control and protect your sensitive information from further threats. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to cybersecurity.