There are lots of ways to protect your personal information and data from scammers. But what happens if your email or social media account gets hacked? Here are some quick steps to help you recover your email or social media account.
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Signs That Your Email or Social Media Account Has Been HackedYou might have been hacked if
Steps To Get Back Into Your Account1. Update your security software, run a scan, and delete any malware.Start with this important step especially if youre not sure how someone hacked into your account. Use either the security software that comes with your computer, phone, or tablet or download software from a reputable, well-known security company. Then, run it to scan your device for malware. If the scan identifies suspicious software, delete it, and restart your device. 2. Change your passwords.If youre able to log into your email or social media account, change the password right away. If you use similar passwords for other accounts, change them, too. Make sure you create strong passwords that will be hard to guess. If you cant log in to change your password, check the advice your email provider or social network has available. Several popular email service providers (like Gmail and Yahoo) and social media websites (like Facebook and Twitter) give advice on how to restore and protect your account. If someone took over your account, you might need to fill out forms to prove its really you whos trying to get back into your account. 3. Set up multi-factor authentication.While youre updating your password, check if your email or social media account lets you turn on multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires a password plus something else say, a code from an authenticator app to prove its really you. What To Do Once Youre Back in Your Account1. Check your account settings.After you log back in to your email account, check on a few things:
2. Take stock of whats in your inbox.Consider what kind of information the hacker might have seen. Hackers look for information that can help them find usernames and passwords to important sites, like online banking or retirement accounts. Consider changing the usernames and passwords for accounts that may be at risk. 3. Look for tracks.In your email account, review the Sent, Trash, or Deleted folders. You might be able to uncover clues about what the hacker did. Search for emails that the hacker sent from your account, or that the hacker may have viewed and then deleted. In your social media account, check for messages that the hacker might have sent from your account. This information will help you figure out what information was exposed. If it was, visit IdentityTheft.gov to find out what you should do next. 4. Report misused information at IdentityTheft.gov.If you the hacker misused your sensitive information, like your Social Security number, to access or open new accounts, to apply for government benefits, to file federal taxes, or any other misuse, report it. At IdentityTheft.gov, you can create an individualized recovery plan to help you recover from identity theft. 5. Tell your friends.Send your friends a quick email or text, or post something to let them know that you were hacked. Tell them not to click on links in emails from you or respond to a hackers fake pleas for help or money. If youre emailing a bunch of people, put their email addresses in the Bcc line to keep them confidential. You could send them this article, too. How To Protect Your Accounts From Getting Hacked
Tagged with: computer security, email, hacker, password, social networking May 2021 |