Email Account Compromise

Check Your Finances

If your email is linked to any banking or financial services, contact your bank immediately to check for unauthorised transactions and secure your accounts.

Recover Your Account

Change your email password immediately. If you have been locked out, use your email provider's account recovery tools.

Sign Out of All Devices

Most email providers (like Gmail, Outlook, iCloud) have an option to "Sign out of all other sessions" or "Manage devices". Use this to disconnect the attacker.

Check for Suspicious Activity

Look for:

• Forwarding rules sending copies of your emails to another address.
• Deleted emails (check Trash/Deleted Items).
• Sent emails you didn't write.

Change Other Passwords

If you reused your email password on other sites, change them immediately. If the attacker had access to your email, they may have reset passwords for other services (social media, shopping, etc.).

Notify Your Contacts

Let your friends and colleagues know your account was compromised so they can ignore any suspicious emails or scam requests sent from your account.

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a second layer of security (like a code on your phone) and is the most effective way to prevent account takeover. Enable it on your email and all important accounts.

Secure Your Device

Run a scan with your antivirus software to ensure your computer or phone doesn't have malware that stole your password.