How To Detect Email Hacks And What To Do Next

Emails are a widely used form of communication. They have given users the ability to communicate almost instantly. Users receive everything in their inbox, from business messages, event invites, emails from family members and communication from banks, social media platforms and retailers.

With so much sensitive information being sent to and from your email account, scammers are trying their best to get into your accounts. One common form of access is phishing, where hackers try to get you to click on a link sent in a fraudulent email.

Hackers will try to steal your personal information or use your account to send out more spam mail. Understanding how to avoid scammers and realizing that your email is hacked are important steps in protecting yourself and your data.

Read on to learn more about email hacking and how to avoid it.

How To Tell If Your Email Is Hacked

Scammers and hackers are developing sophisticated ways to embed themselves in your email account. Fortunately, there are several signs that someone is tampering with your emails:

1. Someone Is Trying To Change Your Password

If you are receiving alerts about attempted password changes, and you did not initiate the changes, then there is a good chance that someone is looking to access your account fraudulently. Changing your password is a crucial first step in keeping digital intruders out. You can also send an email to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and email provider letting them know of the unauthorized attempt.

2. Receiving Unexpected Login Notifications

Logins from unknown locations or devices are a good indicator that someone might be trying to enter your email account. Changing your password and contacting your email provider are recommended next steps for any unexpected logins and unauthorized password changes.

3. If Your Contacts Are Receiving Spam

Spam mails from your address typically show that someone has accessed your email account and is using it to send emails. Hackers can spread malware this way, multiplying exponentially as they access more contact databases. Be sure to let your contacts know that you are having this problem and that they should not open any suspicious links or attachments from you.

4. Seeing Emails In Your Sent Folder That You Did Not Write

Coming across emails in your sent folder that you did not write or send, shows hacking activity. Similar to your contacts receiving spam, hackers will use your account to send out emails with illegitimate links or attachments.

5. Emails Disappearing

Hackers have realized that leaving evidence of spam mail in your account folders will lead you to investigate, so they have begun to delete their emails to hide their activity. If you are seeing emails disappear from your inbox and account folders, then there is a good chance that someone is interfering with your account. Keep an eye on your trash, archive and spam folders to see if messages wind up there without you prompting them.

6. Unusual Account Activities

Account changes, such as someone updating your recovery email, phone number, or security questions are suspicious. Hackers will try to change these settings to keep you out of your own account, making it harder for you to regain control after a hack.

7. Strange Pop-ups and Browser Redirects

Pop-ups and being redirected to unfamiliar websites are some of the easiest ways to tell that you may have opened a mail that contained malware. Run your antivirus program and update your computer's operation system and software to help detect and remove the malware.

8. New Contacts Have Been Added

Seeing new contacts saved in your email account that you did not add is a way to spot hacking. Hackers will place their email addresses into your contacts to make it easier for them to receive reset links and verification codes.

How To Remedy An Email Hack

If you have spotted any of the above signs of an email hack, then follow the steps below:

1. Be Sure To Change Your Password

Changing your password is the first step to take, make sure to choose a password that includes upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

2. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two factor also known as multi-factor authentication is very helpful. It allows you to add layers to your security, such as receiving an SMS after logging into your account.

3. Scan For Malware

Let your antivirus program run to detect any threats.

4. Report The Hack

Inform your email provider of possible hacks. Their IT department may be able to offer tools and run scans which you do not have access to.

5. Backup Important Emails

Backup any important emails to an external hard drive or cloud storage regularly.

6. Keep Your Software Updated

Regularly update your browser, operating system and software. Developers often place software patches and antivirus upgrades into their updates, helping to keep your emails safe.

7. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi spots are typically unsecured, allowing hackers easier access to your device. Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) can be a useful tool if you use public networks often.

To Sum Things Up

Email hacks can happen, and knowing how to spot them and remedy them is an important part of your cybersecurity. Stay informed, keep an eye on your email account activity, use complex passwords and continually update your software.