By TechTalksWorld
Today, email has become a pillar of communication in personal life and professional communications. Email platforms such as Gmail have reached more than 1 billion subscribers. As the usage of emails goes up, so do the vulnerabilities to hacking. Hackers find new avenues for exploitation, and your email inbox could be a likely candidate.
This blog post covers:
- What are signs that your email has been hacked
- How to keep your email safe
- Recovery of Your Account if Hacked
Why is Email Hacking Dangerous?
Your email account hosts sensitive and personal data such as:
- Login credentials for accounts
- Financial transactions
- Contact details and private messages
Once hackers log into your email, they will be able to use it for identity theft, financial fraud, or the spread of malware. It’s worth knowing how email hacking works and how it can be prevented.
How Do Hackers Steal Email Accounts?
1. Phishing Email or Message
Hackers send fake emails or message claiming to be from organisations such as banks or from the government agencies. These emails might include:
- malicious websites to download your log in details.
- Malicious software that download itself into your PC.
2. Guess the Weak Passwords
Very simple passwords such as “12345678” or “password” are easy to guess for hackers. Personal information such as your birth date or pet’s name can also be guessed.
3. Public Devices or Wi-Fi
When you use a public computer or Wi-Fi to log into your email account and forget to log out, hackers can take advantage of that to access your account.
4. Malware Attacks
Cybercriminals use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to your email by stealing stored credentials or recording your keystrokes.
Warning Signs That Your Email Has Been Hacked
Do you suspect that your email has been hacked? Look for these warning signs:
- Emails you did not send appear in your “Sent” folder.
- You receive login attempt notifications from unknown locations.
- You cannot log into your account, even with the correct password.
- Your recovery email or phone number has been changed without your permission.
- Unusual activity, such as unknown subscriptions or spam emails.
If you find any of these signs, you should immediately secure your account.
How to Protect Your Email Account
1. Use Strong Passwords
Create passwords with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., “MyEmail@123”).
Avoid using easily guessed details like your name, birthday, or sequential numbers.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone or email during login.
3. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
Never open emails or links from unknown senders.
Always verify the email sender’s authenticity before providing sensitive information.
4. Use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, reducing the risk of being hacked on public networks.
5. Log Out of Public Devices
Always log out of your email account when using public computers or shared devices.
6. Regularly Update Your Software
Always keep the email app, browser, as well as device software updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
Steps to Recover a Hacked Email Account
If your email account is hacked, follow these steps to regain access and secure it:
- Go to the Email Recovery Page: Most email providers offer a recovery option for hacked accounts.
- Enter Your Email ID: Use your registered email address and attempt to log in.
- Answer Security Questions: Provide answers to the recovery questions if prompted.
- You can enter your Recovery Email or Phone, where the verification code has been received.
- Change Password: After validating, you can select a new password, which is strong.
- Security Settings: Delete any other devices or linked accounts not authorized by you.
Why should you care about your email security?
Emails are often the gateway to other accounts, including bank accounts, social media, and professional networks. If hackers gain access to your email, they could potentially access everything connected to it. Securing your email is not just about protecting your inbox—it’s about safeguarding your digital identity.
More Tips for Keeping Your Email Safe
- Do not save sensitive information, such as bank details or passwords, in your email drafts.
- Regularly monitor your email account for unusual activities.
- Use trusted antivirus software to protect your device from malware.
What is VPN and How Does It Protect Your Email?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It helps:
- Protect against phishing attacks.
- Encrypt sensitive data sent or received online.
- Hide your IP address, making it harder for hackers to trace your location.
Conclusion
Accessing your mail only in this digital century can just be considered a way to fulfill your responsibility when people are emailing sensitive material regarding personal information, other secured passwords, and more serious financial transactions. Any hacked account shows signs with any unusual account activity that sometimes comes in the shape of receiving an email requesting changing their password or asking users who have never tried these.
Following best practices such as the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, avoiding phishing scams, and regular update of recovery information reduces risks of hacking. Other forms of protection include using VPNs and exercising caution over public devices.
Remember, stay proactive. If you suspect that your account has been compromised, take the necessary steps to recover it and secure your data. For more tips and guidelines, visit TechTalksWorld and empower yourself with the latest in email security insights.
