July 3, 2022, 6:54 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Are you suddenly not receiving any emails? Are acquaintances getting emails that appear to be from you but weren’t written or sent by you? Are emails you haven’t even opened marked as read? These are unmistakable signs that your email account has been hacked. We’ll tell you what steps to take now.

The hacking of an email account is an invasion of privacy that, depending on the damage caused, can be compared to a home burglary. Initially, the shock may be profound. However, it’s crucial to stay calm and take a few countermeasures to minimize the damage.

First: If the “worst case” has occurred, meaning you can’t access your email account at all after it has been hacked, you must contact the service provider of your email account. They can restore the account, but only in exchange for proper identification. If (hopefully) this “worst case” scenario hasn’t happened, proceed thoughtfully and step by step. We’ll tell you what to do.

Also read: 6 Tips to Finally Get Rid of Annoying Spam Emails

Email Account Hacked? Here’s What to Do

1. Virus Scan

If the account has been hacked, the temptation might be strong to immediately set a new password to quickly read important, perhaps urgently awaited emails. However, you should not do this, as there is a risk that the attacker will also gain access to the new password. The first essential step is to scan your computer with antivirus software. Be sure to choose a “deep clean” that detects and neutralizes all types of infections. Only when you are sure that the device is free of trojans, spyware, keyloggers, etc., should you set a new password.

2. Change Password

The new password for your email account should be more secure than the one that was hacked and should have as many different characteristics as possible. An obvious, short term like “EmailAccount” or a number-word combination like “123Email” is not advisable. The rule is: The longer the password, the more secure it is.

With small memory aids, such as a question only you know the answer to, it becomes easier to remember even more complex passwords. As a precaution, you should also write down the password, but do not keep this note near the computer. After all, you wouldn’t carry your bank account PIN with your debit card in your wallet. By the way, if your email account has been hacked multiple times, it might be worth considering switching providers.

3. All Other Online Accounts

Changing the password for your email account alone is unfortunately not enough. The attacker is usually less interested in the content of emails than in personal data, especially those used for financial transactions. This means you also need to change the passwords for all your other online accounts. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bank, credit card, Netflix, or even just a gym account.

It should go without saying: Each account should have a unique password. If users use the same password for all online accounts, such as banks, online stores, social media, etc., the attacker can easily access all data once the email account is hacked. In short: Every account needs its own password. It’s wise to set up a password manager that manages all passwords. Users then only need to remember the manager’s password.

4. Inform Contacts

If the email account has been hacked, it’s advisable to inform family, friends, business contacts, etc., as a precaution. Ask your contacts not to download or open any attachments that come from your account. Otherwise, there’s a risk that your contacts’ accounts could also be infected with malware.

Also read: The Meaning of CC and BCC in Emails

5. New Security Questions

To ensure all possible entry points for the hacker are closed, you should also change your security questions. The same rule applies as with passwords: The more unique, the better. A security question about your favorite dish, with answers like “Pizza,” “Steak,” or “Lasagna,” is not much of a challenge for a hacker.

6. Comprehensive Security

Since most users today not only use a computer but also other devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches, which are usually all interconnected, it’s advisable to run an intensive virus scan on these devices as well.

7. Prevention is Better Than Cure

To prevent the email account from being hacked (again), users should follow some advice for the future. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Whether these links are sent via email or SMS or reach you via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., the rule is always: Do not open! It goes without saying that personal data should never be shared with unknown sources.

Lastly, consider that the high mobility of our society can also be a source of danger, as many people spend more time on laptops or smartphones than on home computers. Often, public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes or hotels, are used. Therefore, it’s advisable to secure mobile devices with software specifically designed for this purpose.