Updated on: October 17, 2024
Understanding how email gets hacked is the first step in protecting your information. Cybercriminals use various tactics to hack email accounts, ranging from phishing attacks to exploiting weak passwords. As online threats continue to rise, it’s important to know enough about these tactics to prevent sensitive data — like your login credentials, financial information, and personal communications — from being stolen.
Email hacking involves unauthorized access to your inbox, often serving as a gateway to your entire online identity. If you notice password reset requests you didn’t initiate, unfamiliar login alerts, missing emails, or strange messages sent from your account, or if you’re having trouble logging into accounts, chances are you’ve been hacked. Fortunately, there are clear signs when your email account is compromised and steps you can take to secure it.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to check if your email has been hacked and offer advice on what to do if you suspect unauthorized access. Remember, using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are easy but important ways to keep your email secure. I also recommend using a strong password manager like 1Password to manage your logins — it’s secure and easy to use across all your devices.
How Do I Know if My Email Has Been Hacked?
Spotting a compromised email account early can save you significant trouble. Here are some signs that your email might have been stolen:
- Your password isn’t working. If you suddenly can’t log into your email with your usual password, it could mean a hacker has gained access and changed it to lock you out.
- Unfamiliar messages in your “Sent” folder. If you notice emails in your sent folder that you didn’t send, it’s a strong indication that someone else is using your account to send messages.
- Receiving password reset emails you didn’t request. Hackers may try to gain access to your other accounts by requesting password resets that get sent to your compromised email.
- Unrecognized IP addresses in your login activity. Many email services let you view recent login activity. If you see logins from devices or locations you don’t recognize, it could mean someone else is accessing your account.
- Strange activity on your social media accounts. If there are posts or messages on your social media that you didn’t create, it might be because a hacker used your email to access those accounts.
- Friends and family receive emails you didn’t send. If people you know are getting unusual emails from you, especially ones asking for money or personal information, your email might be compromised.
- Your device is unusually slow or behaving oddly. Malware used to hack your email can also affect your device’s performance, causing it to slow down or act unpredictably.
- Automatic forwarding set up without your knowledge. Check your email settings for any forwarding rules you didn’t create. Hackers might set up forwarding to receive copies of your emails.
- Your email is found in a data breach. With many data breaches occurring, your email and password might be available to hackers on the dark web. Use a dark web monitoring tool like 1Password’s Watchtower to see if your email has been compromised.
Why Do Hackers Need Your Email?
Your primary email account holds a wealth of personal and sensitive information. It’s the hub where you receive bank statements, utility bills, and password reset links for all your online services — from social media and streaming platforms to shopping sites. This means your email often contains critical details like your full name, address, and even your Social Security number (SSN).
Hackers are after your email because it gives them control over everything connected to you online. With access to your inbox, cybercriminals can reset passwords to your accounts, intercept confidential communications, and access financial data. This not only compromises your privacy but also puts you at significant risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
A compromised email account can send phishing emails or malware to your contacts, amplifying the threat. Given how central your email is to your digital life, it’s essential to protect it from unauthorized access.
Most Common Email Hacking Methods
There are many techniques that hackers use to get into email accounts — here are the most commonly used methods.
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is when hackers use deceptive emails, calls, or texts (also known as “smishing”) to trick you into revealing your email account details. These messages often appear to come from legitimate institutions like government agencies, banks, or popular online services. They mimic official logos and phrasing and even use spoofed “From” addresses to appear more authentic.
For example, a hacker might send an email pretending to be from Amazon, claiming that someone else is using your account. The email includes a link prompting you to confirm your account details. When you enter your information, the hacker captures your login credentials.
If you have reliable internet security software installed on your devices, like Norton, it should block access to these phishing sites.
2. Access via Public or Shared Devices
Leaving your email account logged in on a device that isn’t exclusively yours poses a significant security risk. Whether you’re using a computer at a library, an office, or even a friend’s device, failing to sign out can give hackers an easy opportunity to access your personal information.
It’s important to remember that closing a browser window doesn’t always log you out of your email account. A malicious user could reopen the browser, find your active session, and within moments, change your password and lock you out of your own account.
3. Wi-Fi Network Hacking
Hackers can easily infiltrate your home Wi-Fi network, especially if it’s not password-protected (so make sure to set a strong Wi-Fi password — good password managers like Dashlane can help you generate and store one). Hackers can also exploit security flaws in your router or perform Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks to intercept your connection on public Wi-Fi networks. In both cases, hackers can monitor everything you’re doing online and steal your login information when you enter it. To protect your sensitive data and keep your network secure, use a reliable virtual private network (VPN) like ExpressVPN, which encrypts your internet connection and protects your browsing activity from prying eyes.
4. Data Breaches
Data breaches occur when hackers access a company’s servers where you have an account and steal sensitive information such as usernames and passwords. If your email credentials are compromised in a data breach, cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to your account. To protect yourself, consider using one of the best password managers in 2024 like 1Password. Its Watchtower feature notifies you if any of your passwords have been exposed in a data breach, so you can secure your email and other accounts immediately.
5. Malware Infections
If your device is infected with malware, hackers may be able to access your personal information, emails, and even financial data without your knowledge. Understanding how malware enters your system is essential to preventing unauthorized access and protecting your sensitive information. Cybercriminals use various tactics, such as deceptive downloads and malicious websites, to install malware on your devices. To protect your data and privacy, I recommend using a trusted antivirus solution like Norton — it offers comprehensive protection and is easy to use across all your devices.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
What Should I Do If My Email Was Hacked?
- Change your password immediately. If you can still log into your email, change your password to block unauthorized access. Use a strong, unique password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. If you’re locked out, contact your email provider to recover your account.
- Install a reputable antivirus. Scan your device for malware or viruses that might have given hackers access to your email. A top antivirus like Norton can detect and remove malicious software without slowing down your device.
- Change all your passwords and set up a password manager. After securing your email, update passwords for any other accounts linked to that email. Use a password manager like 1Password to store the passwords for all your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on your email account (and any other sensitive accounts). You can use an authenticator app instead of SMS for better security, or choose a password manager with a built in authenticator, as it’s less susceptible to interception. RoboForm will even auto-fill the code for you.
- Use a VPN. Protect your online activity by using a reputable VPN to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi. I recommend ExpressVPN — it safeguards your data from potential hackers and is easy to use across all your devices.
- Update your security questions. Change your security questions to something only you would know. Avoid using answers that can be easily found through your social media or public records.
- Keep your devices updated. Regularly update your devices and operating systems to patch security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Keeping your software up to date enhances your overall security and device performance.
- Inform your contacts. Let your friends and family know that your email was compromised so they can be cautious of any suspicious messages they might receive from your account.
- Set up credit monitoring. Monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any changes to your credit report.
- Report the incident. Report the email hack to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, to help prevent further fraudulent activities.
By following these steps as soon as possible, you can minimize potential damage and protect your personal information from further unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my email account after it’s been hacked?
Yes, you can often recover a hacked email account by following your email provider’s account recovery process. This usually involves verifying your identity through a secondary email or phone number. Once you regain access, change your password to a strong, unique one and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Should I change passwords for other accounts if my email is hacked?
Yes — if your email has been compromised, hackers might have access to other accounts linked to that email. It’s crucial to change passwords for all your important accounts, especially if you use the same password across multiple platforms. Using a password manager like 1Password makes it easy to update and manage your passwords securely.
How can I secure my email account in the future?
Some of the best ways to secure your email account include:
- Using a strong, unique password — Avoid using simple or commonly used passwords. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) — This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
- Installing antivirus software — A reputable antivirus like Norton can protect your device from malware and phishing attacks.
- Keeping your devices updated — Regular software updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi for checking email?
No, it’s not safe to check your email on public Wi-Fi networks. Hackers can intercept data on these unsecured networks using man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing them to steal your login credentials. To protect yourself, use a VPN like ExpressVPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
How often should I update my passwords?
It’s recommended to update your passwords regularly, at least every three to six months. Additionally, change your passwords immediately if you suspect any account has been compromised.
Is it safe to open emails from unknown senders?
No, it’s not safe to open emails from unknown senders, especially if they contain attachments or links. These could lead to phishing sites or download malware onto your device. If you’re unsure about an email’s legitimacy, it’s best to delete it. Antiviruses like Norton can help filter out suspicious emails and protect you from potential threats.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email?
If you receive a suspicious email:
- Do not interact with it — Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
- Mark it as spam — Use your email client’s spam or phishing reporting features.
- Delete the email — Remove it from your inbox to prevent accidental interaction.