An attacker may be trying to find out which banks, shopping sites, and other services you use. Keep an eye out for password reset emails that you don’t remember requesting. It’s possible that an attacker will have deleted any sent messages to cover their tracks, though, so it isn’t always possible to tell if something was sent without your knowledge 3. Sometimes, they just want to commandeer your account, either to send spam or to gather more information about you while trying to hide the activity from you.Ĭheck your sent folder to see if there are any messages you don’t remember sending, especially mass emails to your contacts. Not all attackers will completely takeover your account and lock you out. If the recovery methods don’t work (either because the hackers have rerouted the recovery information or you don’t have access to your secondary recovery email or device) then your only option may be to get in touch with customer service. If login problems continue, initiate the password recovery process. First, be sure you’re using the correct password (a password manager like LastPass ensures you’re using the right one). Perhaps the most obvious – and most panic-inducing – sign that your account may be hacked is that you can no longer log in with the same password. Here are some typical signs that someone is abusing your email account: 1. To better protect your email account, learn the signs of someone tampering with your inbox, take steps to correct any issues, and practice good security hygiene going forward. And that means your email address becomes a very valuable target for attackers looking to find a way to steal personal information or even money. When you sign up for something that requires an email address, you’re essentially using it as proof of your identity, too. It offers a way to keep in touch with family and friends.īut email addresses have evolved to be so much more than just an inbox. You give it to people and businesses, so they know where to send the products and helpful information you requested. To avoid losing your address book from a compromised account, you should also consider exporting your Gmail contacts to a backup file for safekeeping.In many ways, your email account is the digital equivalent of your house address.
It may take a frustrating bit of time to regain control of your account, but once you do, visit your Gmail security settings to update the recovery options you can use (like an alternative email address or a mobile phone number) to regain access to your account if someone else tries to steal it.
If you cannot get into your account, fill out the account recovery form on the Gmail Help site. Google’s Gmail Help site has a security checklist that offers further suggestions, and the federal government’s site for Internet awareness,, has a few safety tips as well.
While you are in your Gmail security settings, turn on two-step verification, which requires both a password and a code (sent to your smartphone) to log into your account - an extra step that stops those who merely crack your password. If you can still get into your account, immediately change your Gmail password.
When you turn on two-step verification in your Gmail settings, you log into your account with both your password and a code sent to your phone.