What to Do If Your Email Is Hacked? 

Emails are a central part of our digital communication and provide access to important services, making their security critical. This article outlines what to do if your email is hacked, the immediate actions you should take, and how to protect your account in the long run. We provide practical tips to restore the security of your email address. 

Email Security in the Digital Age: Risks and the Need for Protection 

Email accounts are not only an indispensable part of daily life but also a central hub for many personal and professional activities. They provide access to online services like social networks, online banking, and shopping platforms. A compromised email account can have far-reaching consequences, allowing hackers access to a variety of other accounts. Besides financial risks, a hacked email account can also be used to send spam or phishing emails, which can harm the trust of your friends, colleagues, and business partners. 

Protecting your email address is therefore essential in the digital age. But what should you do if your email is hacked? How can you identify that your account has been compromised, and how should you respond quickly and effectively? 

Signs of a Hacked Email Account 

There are several indications that your email account may have been compromised. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Unusual Activities 

If you notice that emails have been sent from your account that you didn’t write, it’s a sign your email account may have been hacked. Hackers often use stolen accounts to send phishing or spam emails, which you might not notice during your absence. They might also alter the sender’s email address to make the email appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source. Such activities can be dangerous, as your contacts could become victims of fraud or identity theft. 

Access Problems 

Another clear indication of a hacked email address is being unable to log into your account. This can happen when a hacker changes your password, so you no longer have access to your emails. Sometimes, you might encounter an error message saying your credentials are incorrect, even though you’re sure you entered the right password. 

Security Alerts 

Many email providers, like Google or Microsoft, send you notifications if someone logs into your account from an unusual location or device. If you receive such a notification and did not perform these activities, it could strongly indicate that your account has been hacked. The hacker might have logged in from a new device or IP address, which is often recorded in the provider’s security logs. If your provider sends you such an alert, do not ignore it and act immediately. 

Unusual Settings 

Some hackers may also change your email account settings, such as setting up automatic forwarding to their own email address or altering your signature. If you notice such changes, take immediate action. Additionally, check your email folders to ensure emails haven’t been moved to unusual folders or deleted. 

Immediate Actions If You Suspect a Hack 

If you suspect that your email address has been hacked, acting quickly is crucial. Here are the most important steps to take immediately:

Change Your Password 

The first step if your email account is hacked is to immediately change your password. Choose a strong, unique password that consists of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid simple passwords or reusing passwords from other accounts. A strong password makes it harder for hackers to regain access to your account. A password manager can be a great help in creating secure passwords. 

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 

One of the most effective ways to protect your email address is by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). With 2FA, you’ll need to provide an additional identification factor, like a code sent to your smartphone, in addition to your password. This extra security layer protects your account even if a hacker knows your password. Ideally, use an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy for 2FA, as these are more secure than SMS-based codes. 

Check Linked Accounts 

Review all accounts linked to your email address, such as social networks, cloud services, and online banking accounts. Ensure no unauthorized changes have been made and that you still have control over these accounts. If you find another account has also been affected, immediately change its password and activate 2FA if available. Some services provide an overview of all connected devices or IP addresses—review these regularly. 

Scan Your Devices for Malware 

It’s crucial to check your devices for malware, as many hacks are possible due to infected devices. Use updated antivirus software to perform a full device scan to ensure no malicious software is installed on your computer, smartphone, or tablet that could steal your security data.

Review Email Settings 

Go through your email account settings to check whether the hacker made any changes. Pay special attention to forwarded emails, altered signatures, or alternative contact email addresses set up without your consent. Ensure no unauthorized changes have been made, and reset settings to default configurations if necessary. Also, check for new email rules or filtering systems that may have been added.

Restoring Account Access 

If you’ve lost access to your email account, there are several steps you can take to recover it:

Reset Your Password 

If you’re unable to log into your account, try resetting the password using the “Forgot Password” feature provided by your email provider. Most providers offer this function to help you regain access to a hacked account. Follow the instructions on the provider’s website to create a new password. If this feature isn’t sufficient, many providers also offer phone support or dedicated security hotlines.

Contact Support 

If resetting the password doesn’t work or you’re still having trouble accessing your account, reach out to your email provider’s support service. Many providers have specialized customer service for security issues and can assist you in recovering your account. Be prepared with all relevant information to verify your identity and explain the situation as clearly as possible.

Provide Proof of Identity 

When contacting customer service, you may be required to provide certain information to verify your identity. This could include answering security questions or submitting documents to confirm your identity. Be ready to provide all necessary information to expedite the recovery process.

Preventive Measures for the Future 

Once you’ve recovered your email account, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid future hacks. Here are some best practices:

Regular Password Updates 

Change your password regularly and ensure you use a unique password for each account. This prevents hackers from accessing other accounts in case one of your passwords is compromised. Using a password manager can help you manage complex and unique passwords.

Awareness of Phishing 

Be cautious of phishing emails designed to steal your login credentials. Phishing emails often appear legitimate but contain links that lead to fake websites to steal your information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments and never share personal information via email. Use tools like spam filters and anti-phishing software for added protection.

Install Security Updates 

Ensure your devices and software are always up to date. Security updates are regularly released to address new threats. Regularly update your email application, operating system, and antivirus software to protect your system from new attacks.

Secure Your Email Account: Immediate Actions and Preventive Strategies 

A hacked email account can lead to significant security concerns, but with quick action and the right measures, you can minimize damage and restore the protection of your data. If you suspect your email has been hacked, change your password immediately, enable 2FA, and review all linked accounts. Protect your account long-term by updating passwords regularly and staying vigilant against phishing. This way, you can keep your email account secure and safe. Remember, proactive security measures are key to protecting your digital information. 

For added protection and a reliable email security solution, consider using N‑able Mail Assure, a comprehensive solution for email threat protection.