Nowadays, people exchange messages through emails which are essential in society as they can be used for either individual or official purposes. However, it is prone to hackers. It is important that you can easily identify when your email system has been compromised so that you keep safe all the confidential data contained there.
Unusual Login Activity
Suspicious logins are a clear indication that one’s email could have been hacked. If you see login attempts made at strange places, with unknown devices, or at odd hours, then it may mean that an intruder has managed to get into your account and is using it.
- Most email services, such as Gmail, have a section where they keep track of the things which happened not long ago. you can find and access by going to the account settings and click on either “Security” or “Activity”.
- Check for any logins that have been tried from places you do not know or gadgets which belong to other people.
- If you’re using an email client that supports multiple devices, keep an eye out for changes in the usual devices you use to access your account.
Strange or Unfamiliar Emails in Your Sent Folder
If you have emails in your “Sent” folder that you didn’t send, then it’s another sign. Hackers frequently exploit Gmail hacked IDs to distribute spam, phish or send malware containing links all over your address book.
- Check the messages you sent to see if there are any that don’t look like something you would send or can’t recall sending.
- Be particularly cautious if these emails contain strange links, attachments, or unusual requests to your contacts.
Inability to Access Your Account
If you find it hard to open your email all of a sudden, it might indicate that another person altered the password or prevented your access. There are hackers who may get into your email after stealing the information through phishing techniques, they will block you from accessing the account in order to be in control.
- If you try to log in and receive a password error message or are prompted to reset your password unexpectedly, it could indicate that someone has taken over your account.
- Check for any messages from your email provider about account changes that you didn’t initiate.
Unexpected Changes to Your Account Settings
When someone changes your email settings without you knowing, that’s a signal that should make you be even more careful. In such cases, hackers might edit the settings so that all mails would be copied to some external account, modify the personalized signature, and establish automatic replies sending phishing links to all people you communicate with.
- Check your email forwarding settings. If you notice emails being forwarded to an unfamiliar address, this is a clear sign of compromise.
- Check your email signature and out-of-office messages to make sure they are unchanged.
Receiving Unexpected Password Reset Requests
When you get password reset messages without requesting them, it may indicate an effort to take your account from you or someone who has already done so and wants to prevent you from logging in.
- Watch out for any password reset emails which you didn’t ask for in your inbox.
- If you receive an email with a password reset link you didn’t request, do not click on it.
Slower-Than-Usual Email Response Times
While this might seem like a minor issue, if you notice that your emails are taking longer to load or that your inbox is sluggish, it could be due to your account being overloaded with spam, or the email provider may be dealing with an ongoing attack on their servers.
- If your email provider is slow to respond or emails are delayed, and you’ve already checked your internet connection, this might indicate a security issue.
Unusual Security Alerts
When email service providers notice some actions that seem strange, they usually give warnings on security. Such warnings may consist of messages concerning log-ins which are not recognized by the system, alterations in your profile parameters as well as any unfamiliar gadgets trying to gain entry into your email.
- Be watchful of emails sent by the security department of your service provider.
- If you receive an alert that doesn’t seem to match your activity, it could be a sign of a breach.
Summary
Email breaches can be devastating, but the earlier you recognize the signs, the quicker you can take action. Keep an eye on your account for strange activities, put strong passwords, and adopt two-factor authentication to secure your account. Should you identify any of the red flags explained earlier, act promptly to ensure safety of your email and identity. If you deal with a possible breach as soon as possible, there is a lower probability that your delicate information may be violated.