If you discover that your email account has been compromised, your first reaction might involve contemplating the next course of action to take.
The solution: remain calm and spring into action. There are five procedural steps you can undertake to avert or reduce any potential harm caused by an intruded account.
So, why are cybercriminals targeting email accounts? The reality is that your email account is a valuable repository. It likely contains years’ worth of conversations with loved ones and various emails from institutions like banks, online stores, healthcare providers, contractors, business associates, and more. In essence, your email accumulates a significant amount of personal information in one location, making it a prime target for hackers.
Let’s examine the indications of a compromised email account and explore strategies to prevent it from being infiltrated in the first instance.
Red flags indicating your email account is breached
Unable to access your email account
This scenario is self-explanatory. You attempt to log in to your email only to discover that your login credentials are being rejected. Even after reattempting with the correct password, you still can’t gain access. There’s a possibility that a hacker has acquired your password, logged in, and subsequently altered the password – effectively barring you out and seizing control of your account.
A contact questions, “Did you really send this email?”
Hackers often compromise email accounts to disseminate malware on a large scale. By sending emails to everyone in your hijacked contact list, they can distribute fake, malware-laden emails to numerous individuals. Some of these emails might appear suspicious. They may deviate significantly from your usual communication style to the extent that recipients question the authenticity of the email.
Conversely, this highlights the importance of refraining from opening unexpected attachments. Furthermore, if you receive an unusual email from a friend or business associate, notify them promptly. Your alertness could be the initial indication that their email security has been breached.
Immediate measures to take if your email is breached and to avert future breaches
1) Utilize your email provider’s account recovery service
Many email service providers offer dedicated web pages for account recovery in situations involving lost or stolen passwords. (For instance, Google provides such a page for Gmail users and other associated services.) It is crucial to keep your security questions and alternative contact information updated with your provider as these are pivotal for regaining control of your account.
2) Modify your password
If feasible, change the password for your email account. Opt for a robust, distinctive password – refrain from reusing passwords from other accounts. Additionally, update the passwords for your other accounts if you have been using similar or identical passwords across them. Hackers exploit the tendency of individuals to utilize simplistic and repetitive passwords, underscoring the importance of employing differentiated passwords. A password manager bundled with comprehensive online security software can automate this process for you.
3) Implement two-factor authentication
Several email services support two-factor authentication, necessitating a PIN in conjunction with a username and password for logging in. If your service extends this feature, activate it. Two-factor authentication stands as one of the most robust defenses against a compromised email account and enhances overall online account security.
4) Scrutinize your other accounts
Occasionally, a single security breach can trigger further compromises. If a perpetrator gains access to your email and its contents, they could potentially instigate subsequent attacks. Monitor your other accounts spanning financial, social media, and assorted services for atypical activities. If available, consider leveraging two-factor authentication across these accounts as well.
5) Inform your email contacts
An integral aspect of a hacker’s strategy involves infiltrating your address book to distribute malware to others. Dispatch a notification to all your email contacts promptly, informing them of the breach in your email account. If you have already reset your password, convey this information to assure them of the regained account security. Also, caution them against opening any emails or attachments sent during the compromised period.
Broader perspective: Monitor your identity vigilantly
Operating within the grand scheme of your online identity, your email account serves as a pivotal fragment. Other crucial facets encompass your online banking interfaces, e-commerce accounts, and so forth. Undoubtedly, exercising vigilance over these elements is crucial.
Furthermore, scrutinize your credit report for indications of suspicious activity. Your credit report serves as a potent tool for identifying identity theft. In numerous cases, checking your credit report incurs no cost. In the U.S., you can conduct weekly assessments at AnnualCreditReport.com. Similarly, Canada and numerous other countries provide analogous services. Evaluating your credit report periodically is prudent, even if no anomalies are suspected. Moreover, access our credit monitoring service to review your report whenever needed.
Supplementing identity monitoring with active protection is advantageous. Our online identity protection service furnishes continuous surveillance of your email addresses and bank accounts. Furthermore, our Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration service extends up to $2 million in ID theft insurance in the scenario of a compromised identity. Additionally, it facilitates enlisting the expertise of an identity recovery professional if needed post-attack or breach. Incorporating measures of this nature can enhance the security of your email account and other online platforms against potential attacks.
The article My email account has been compromised! What steps should I take? originally appeared on McAfee Blog.
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