Email hacking is no joke. With email account takeovers making up 38% of online fraud, it’s clear that your inbox is a prime target for cybercriminals. But how can you tell if your email has been compromised? The signs are there if you know what to look for, and once you do, you can stop attackers dead in their tracks.

Let’s break down the 5 major warning signs that your email has been hacked, plus what to do about it. Don’t ignore these red flags—they could save you from a digital nightmare.

Why Email Hacking is a Big Deal

When your email gets hacked, it’s not just your messages that are at risk. Hackers can use your email to:

• Access other accounts: Once inside your email, they can reset passwords and gain control of everything from your social media profiles to your bank accounts.
• Steal sensitive information: Think about all the info stored in your inbox—personal data, financial statements, even confidential work communications. It’s all up for grabs.
• Spread malware or scams: Hackers can use your email to send phishing emails to your contacts, tricking them into clicking malicious links or sharing private information.

So, how do you know if you’ve been hacked? Here are five telltale signs.

1. Strange Emails You Didn’t Send

If you’re seeing replies to emails you never sent, or there are messages in your “Sent” folder that you didn’t write, you’ve probably been hacked. This is a classic move: hackers use your account to send spam or phishing emails to your contacts, hoping someone bites.

Action Step: Change your password immediately. Make it strong, unique, and use two-factor authentication (2FA) to lock things down. Then, let your contacts know not to click on any suspicious messages.

2. Your Signature or Profile Has Been Altered

Suddenly seeing a weird new email signature? Maybe it’s promoting some sketchy product or contains a bizarre phone number. Or perhaps your email profile info—like your display name or recovery email—has been changed. These are clear signs that someone’s been messing with your account settings.

Action Step: Check your account settings and remove any unauthorized changes. Update your password and enable 2FA if you haven’t already.

3. New Auto-Forwarding Rules

Hackers love this trick: setting up auto-forwarding rules to send specific types of emails—like anything with the word “invoice” or “password reset”—to another address. Sometimes they’ll even delete the forwarded messages from your inbox, so you won’t notice anything missing.

Action Step: Review your email settings for any auto-forwarding rules you didn’t create. Delete them and double-check that all your security settings are in order.

For more on how auto-forwarding rules can be used against you, check out this comprehensive guide on email security.

4. Password Reset Requests Flooding Your Inbox

Have you been bombarded with password reset requests for accounts you didn’t initiate? That’s a hacker at work, trying to use your email to reset the passwords to your other online accounts. If they get in, they’ll own your digital life.

Action Step: Don’t just ignore these notifications. Change your email password and check your account recovery options (phone number, secondary email, etc.). Make sure only you can reset your passwords.

5. Unauthorized Profile Changes

If your profile info—like your phone number, recovery email, or security questions—has been altered, it’s a strong sign that someone’s trying to lock you out of your own account. Hackers will do this to keep you from regaining control once they’re in.

Action Step: Review your profile settings and restore any unauthorized changes. Then, immediately change your password and activate 2FA.

What To Do If You Spot These Signs

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, here’s your game plan:

1. Change Your Password ASAP: Make it long, random, and unique. Avoid anything guessable like “password123.”
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is non-negotiable. It adds an extra layer of security that makes it much harder for hackers to get in.
3. Check and Revoke Suspicious App Permissions: Go to your email’s security settings and remove any apps or services you don’t recognize. Hackers sometimes use these to maintain access even after you’ve changed your password.
4. Notify Your Contacts: Let them know your email was compromised so they don’t fall for any phishing attempts coming from your address.
5. Scan for Malware: Use a reputable antivirus program to check for keyloggers or other malware on your devices. If they’ve compromised your computer or phone, changing your email password won’t be enough.

Prevention: The Best Defense Against Email Hacking

Let’s talk about prevention, because even if you lock down your account today, you don’t want to go through this again.

• Use a Password Manager: If you’re still using easy-to-remember passwords, stop. Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store complex, unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Avoid Phishing Scams: Be wary of unsolicited emails asking for personal information or containing unexpected attachments. When in doubt, don’t click.
• Regularly Monitor Your Account Activity: Check your email’s “Recent Activity” section to see if there are logins from unfamiliar locations or devices. If something looks off, take action immediately.

For more detailed strategies on securing your email and other accounts, this FTC guide on protecting your email is a must-read.

Need Help with Cybersecurity?

Think your email’s been hacked or worried about your digital security? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book a quick, 15-minute call with us, and let’s figure out how to protect your digital life.

In a world where your email is the gateway to your entire online identity, you can’t afford to ignore the warning signs. Take action now, secure your account, and keep the hackers at bay. Stay safe out there!