Tips for recovery from an email hack

Every email account is vulnerable to the nefarious plots of hackers. Though there are several steps you can take to protect and secure your private information, there will always be a chance that your personal email account could one day be compromised. So, what do you do after your email has been hacked? The important thing to remember in this situation is that there are proactive steps you can take to regain control of your digital life. Here are 3 things to consider.

Notify Webmail Provider

    It’s important to let your webmail provider know that your account has been compromised. Informing them of your situation will help them to identify the problem and fortify their security to make future hacking attempts even more difficult for the hackers. While most webmail providers are not liable for successful hacking attempts, they definitely want to do all they can to prevent them.

Change Password

    This may be the most important thing to do after your account has been hacked. You’ve heard the term “the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime.” Well, the same can be said for hackers. Once you’ve determined that your email has been hacked, make sure and change your password to one that is both complex and totally different. If your house were broken into, you’d change the locks. The same measure of safety should be considered for your online identity.

Notify your contact list

    Make sure to send a message to everyone on your email contact list informing them of the recent hack. It is likely that they will have received SPAM messages from your account that could either be virus transferring Trojans or some strange solicitation for money. Make sure and communicate the situation clearly and concisely in the subject of your email, as many on your contact list may already be wary of opening emails from your account.

No one likes having his or her personal information compromised. It’s important to remember that, if your email has been hacked, your online banking and other Internet handled services may also be compromised. If you’d like additional information on what you should with a hacked email, please take a look at this article.