Email Account Hacked? Here’s What to Do and How to Prevent It
Email Account Hacked? Here’s What to Do and How to Prevent It
Woke up to strange messages in your inbox? Friends telling you they got spam from your address? You might be dealing with a hacked email account—and you’re not alone. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve helped countless Albuquerque residents regain control of compromised accounts and secure their devices after a breach.
Let’s break down what to do if your email has been hacked and how to avoid it in the future.
How Do Email Hacks Happen?
Email hacks often start with one of the following:
Phishing scams: You click a fake link and unknowingly give away your login.
Weak or reused passwords: Hackers use stolen credentials from past data breaches.
Infected devices: Malware or keyloggers track everything you type.
Public Wi-Fi risks: Hackers can intercept your data on unsecured networks.
Once inside, attackers can lock you out, steal personal info, send spam, or target your contacts.
Signs Your Email Was Hacked
If you notice any of the following, your email may be compromised:
Friends report strange emails from you
You’re locked out of your account
You see sent messages you didn’t write
Your recovery info (like phone or backup email) has changed
You get password reset notifications for accounts linked to your email
If something feels off—trust your gut and act fast.
Steps to Take Immediately
If your email was hacked, here’s what you should do:
1. Change Your Password
If you still have access, change your password ASAP. Use a strong, unique combination and avoid using it for other accounts.
2. Check Recovery Info
Make sure your recovery email and phone number haven’t been changed. If they have, revert them immediately.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra layer of protection. Even if someone has your password, they’ll need your phone or app to get in.
4. Scan for Malware
Run a full system scan to make sure no keyloggers or spyware are tracking your keystrokes or sending info to hackers.
5. Check Other Accounts
If you use the same email for banking, shopping, or social media, check those accounts for suspicious activity too.
Prevent Future Hacks
Here’s how to keep your email—and everything else—safe:
Use strong, unique passwords for every account
Turn on two-factor authentication
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources
Don’t access sensitive info over public Wi-Fi
Keep your devices and antivirus software up to date
Let ABQ Computer Pros Help You Recover
If your email has been hacked and you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’ve got your back. At ABQ Computer Pros, we help Albuquerque residents:
Recover hacked email accounts
Remove malware and spyware
Set up secure passwords and 2FA
Educate on safe online habits
📍 Fast, friendly, and reliable tech support right here in Albuquerque.
💬 Call ABQ Computer Pros today and let’s get your digital life back on track—safely and securely.
