In the event that you discover your email has been compromised, your immediate concern is likely figuring out the next course of action.
The solution: take a moment to compose yourself and spring into action. Implementing five steps can aid in the prevention or minimization of any potential harm caused by a breached account.
So why do cyber criminals target email addresses? The reality is that your email account is a valuable asset. It likely contains years of communications with loved ones and acquaintances, as well as emails from banks, online stores, healthcare providers, contractors, business associates, and more. In essence, your email holds a substantial amount of personal information in one place, making it a lucrative target for hackers.
Let’s explore the indications of a compromised email account and some strategies to prevent it from being breached in the first instance by checking out measures to safeguard it.
Indications that your email account has been compromised
Access to your email account is denied
This is self-explanatory. When you attempt to access your email and realize that your username and password combination is being rejected, it’s clear that something is amiss. If you are sure you are entering the correct password and still cannot log in, it is possible that a hacker has obtained your password, accessed your account, and changed the password, locking you out and gaining control.
A contact asks, “Did you really send this email?”
Hackers often compromise email accounts to distribute malware on a large scale. By sending malicious emails to everyone in your compromised contacts list, they can send out fake, malware-laden emails to dozens or even hundreds of individuals. Some of these emails may appear suspicious. They may not sound or read like they are coming from you, prompting your contacts to question the authenticity of the emails.
On the flip side, this serves as a reminder to refrain from opening unexpected attachments. Additionally, if you receive an unusual email from a friend or business associate, inform them. Your alertness may be the first indication that their email has been compromised.
What steps should be taken if your email is hacked? And how to prevent it from recurring
1) Utilize your email provider’s recovery service
Many email service providers offer dedicated web pages for account recovery in the event of a lost or stolen password. (For instance, Google provides such a page for Gmail users and other services.) It is essential to keep your security questions and alternative contact information up to date with your provider to simplify the process of regaining control over your account.
2) Update your password
If possible, modify the password for your email account. Create a strong, unique password and avoid reusing passwords from other accounts. Subsequently, update the passwords for other accounts if you have used similar passwords for them. (Hackers exploit the tendency of individuals to use simple, common passwords across multiple accounts.) Consider using a password manager included in comprehensive online security software to handle this task.
3) Activate two-factor authentication
Several email services offer two-factor authentication, which necessitates a PIN in addition to a username and password for logging in. If this feature is available, make use of it. It serves as a robust defense against email account breaches and enhances security for online accounts in general.
4) Monitor your other accounts
A single hack can lead to subsequent breaches. If an individual gains access to your email and its contents, they may possess the necessary information to conduct additional attacks. Examine your other accounts related to banking, financial matters, social media platforms, and other services for any unusual activities. Utilize two-factor authentication offered by these accounts as an additional security measure.
5) Inform your email contacts
One of the hacker’s tactics is to infiltrate your address book and disseminate malware to others. Notify all your email contacts promptly that your email account has been compromised. If you have already changed your password, inform them that your account is secure again. Additionally, caution them against opening any emails or attachments sent during the period of account vulnerability.
Looking at the bigger picture: Monitor your identity
Your email account represents one piece of your online identity. Other essential components include online banking accounts, e-commerce accounts, and more. It is crucial to keep a close watch on these elements.
Additionally, examine your credit report for any suspicious activities. Your credit report serves as a valuable tool for uncovering instances of identity theft. In many cases, this service is free. In the United States, you can assess your credit report weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. A similar service is provided in Canada and several other countries. It is advisable to review your credit report periodically, even if you do not suspect any irregularities.
In addition to monitoring your identity, you can take steps to protect it. Online identity protection services like ours offer continuous monitoring of your email addresses and bank accounts. Moreover, our Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration service provides up to $2 million in identity theft insurance in the event of a breach. This service can also enlist identity recovery experts to assist you following an attack or breach. Taking such measures can enhance the security of your email account and other accounts against cyber threats.
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