We use email and other online services so
much that it's all but inevitable that our accounts will be hacked. Having your
private accounts invaded can be confusing and inconvenient, but it's possible
to control the damage and prevent future hacking attempts. Below, you will find
out how to regain control of your account while minimizing future risk.
Go Into Your Account
Before you can do anything else, you'll
need to see how much damage is done. Log into your email account; if the hacker
changed the password, click the "Forgot Password?" link or its
equivalent. Once you have access to your account, change your password right
away. Use a combination of numbers, cases and characters. Instructions on
password security are coming up later in this guide, but for right now,
preventing hackers from re-accessing your account is the most important thing
you can do.
Assess Other Accounts
Once you have changed your email password,
you should make the change on other accounts that share that password -
especially if you use your email address as a username on those accounts. Check
your inbox and "trash" folder for password resetting emails that you
didn't request; the hacker could have tried to change other sites' passwords
using your email address.
Check For Sent Spam
Some hackers access email accounts to
launch attacks on those on your contacts list, using your email address to send
phishing or spam emails that trick friends into providing personal information.
It can be hard to tell if your account was used in this way, but checking your
inbox for replies can help you determine if any of your contacts were targeted.
If you do find spam, let the person know that you didn't send the email.
Check Your Apps
Once your email account is secure, and
you've dealt with the consequences of the hacking attempt, you should ensure
that you can still access your account via the usual channels. If you use
Windows Mail, Outlook or another similar program, you'll have to change the
passwords on those apps. Every program is different, but for most, you'll have
to get into the "Settings" menu to make the change.
Protect Yourself From Further Intrusions
The risk of email hacking is increasing,
but there are preventive steps you can take. Choosing a strong password is one
of the easiest ways to safeguard your account; generally speaking, the longer
the password, the more secure it is. Use a mix of cases, characters and numbers
to increase the strength and complexity of your password, and don't use real
words. Above all, NEVER use the same password across multiple sites. Long,
complicated passwords can be hard to remember, and services such as 1Password
and LastPass can help you store your passwords securely.
Add Extra Layers Of Security
Along with strong passwords, two-factor
authentications are often used to secure email and other accounts. In addition
to your password and username, you can use a code created by an app or a card
reader at the time of each login. The code changes rapidly, and hackers cannot
access it - which makes your account much more secure. Most email providers
offer two-factor authentication free of charge, and it's worthwhile to use this
security measure if it's available.
Your email account is an important part of
your online identity, and you should protect it just as you would any of your
other personal information. Cut your exposure risk by being discreet, smart and
sophisticated in your approach to email security, and keep an eye out for
things that may seem a bit odd. By knowing your damage control choices, it will
be easier to control that damage when or if it occurs.
Bit by Bit can help with all of you technology needs. You can contact us at 877.860.5831
