4 warning signs your emails are compromised…
1. A changed password – probably the most obvious, yet panic-inducing, sign your emails are compromised is that you can no longer log in with the same password.
2. Strange emails in your sent folder – sometimes attackers just want to commandeer your account (rather than completely take it over and lock you out), to gather information about you.
3. Unexpected password reset requests – be aware of password reset emails you don’t remember requesting. Also, be careful of suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from your banks and asking for confidential information like PIN codes, card details or passwords.
4. Complaints from contacts – if you’re receiving multiple reports from contacts in your address book letting you know that they’re getting strange emails from you, this may be a sign someone is using your inbox to send spam/phishing emails.
“91% of cyber-attacks start with an email”
What can I do?
- Change your password
- Add two-factor authentication
- Alert colleagues and friends
- Double-check account recovery information
- Check there are no auto-forwarding or auto-replies enabled (you didn’t set them up yourself)
- Investigate additional email security
- Run Anti-Virus and clean up your device (it’s possible attackers could have gained access through malware/spyware)
- Emailing archiving (in the case of the attacker deleting all emails)
- Ask for help!
