How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
Expert Solution To fix Hacked or Compromised Microsoft Account
How to Recover a Hacked or Compromised Microsoft Account
A hacked or compromised Microsoft account is a nightmare. Your Microsoft account is your key to several services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Skype, and Microsoft 365. If an attacker gains access to your account, they might steal sensitive information, lock you out of your account, or even use your account to scam your contacts. But with immediate action and proper steps, you can recover your account and keep it safe against further attacks.
Signs Your Microsoft Account Has Been Hacked
Before you start with the recovery steps, it is very important to identify the signs that your Microsoft account may have been compromised:
1. **You Can't Log In**: Your password no longer works, or you're locked out of your account.
2. **Unusual Activity**: You notice unfamiliar purchases, changes to account settings, or emails you didn't send.
3. **Security Alerts**: Microsoft sends notifications about suspicious login attempts or changes to your account.
4. **Missing Emails or Files**: Important emails, OneDrive files, or other data have been deleted.
5. **Strange Devices**: You see unfamiliar devices in your account's activity logs.
6. **Password Reset Emails**: You get password reset emails or verification codes you didn't request.
7. **Contacts Mark as Spam**: Friends or colleagues get weird messages from your account.
If you see any of these, act fast to recover your account.
How to Recover a Hacked or Compromised Microsoft Account
1. **Try to Log In
If you can log in, do so now and change your password:
1. Go to the [Microsoft account login page](https://account.microsoft.com/).
2. Enter your email address and password.
3. If you can log in, go to **Security** > **Change password**.
4. Change to a strong, unique password and save the changes.
2. **Use Microsoft's Account Recovery Tool**
If you cannot log in because your password has been changed, use Microsoft's account recovery tool:
1. Go to the [Microsoft account recovery page](https://account.live.com/password/reset).
2. Enter your email address and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Verify your identity using a phone number, alternate email address, or other recovery options.
4. After verification, reset your password and regain access to your account.
3. **Look for Unapproved Changes**
After recovering your account, look through your account settings for any unauthorized changes:
1. Head to your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Look for unknown devices, recent activity, or changes in your recovery data.
3. Unlink all suspicious devices and apps associated with your account.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable this feature to strengthen security:
1. Open your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Under **Two-step verification**, click **Set up two-step verification**.
3. Set up a linked phone number or authenticator app to your account.
5. **Scan Your Devices for Malware**
Malware on your device could have led to your account being hacked. Use a trusted antivirus program to scan your computer or smartphone and remove any threats.
6. **Notify Your Contacts**
If your account was used to send spam or phishing emails, inform your contacts about the breach. This will help prevent them from falling victim to scams.
7. **Contact Microsoft Support
If you’re unable to recover your account using the above steps, contact Microsoft Support for assistance:
1. Visit the [Microsoft Support website](https://support.microsoft.com/).
2. Select **Account & Security** and describe your issue.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the support team.
## How to Secure Your Microsoft Account After Recovery
Once you’ve regained access to your account, take the following steps to secure it and prevent future hacks:
1. **Change Your Password Regularly**
Use a strong, unique password and change it every few months. Do not use easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
2. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
As noted above, 2FA provides an additional layer of security because it requires a verification code, in addition to your password.
3. **Monitor Account Activity
Check your account activity for suspicious logins:
1. Go to your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Review recent activity and sign out of any unfamiliar devices.
4. **Update Recovery Information**
Ensure your recovery email address and phone number are up to date:
1. Go to your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Update your recovery information under **Security settings**.
5. **Avoid Phishing Scams**
Be cautious of emails or messages asking for your login credentials. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or providing information.
6. **Use a Password Manager**. A password manager can create and store all those strong, unique passwords you want to create for all of your accounts to prevent future breaches.
## FAQs
Q1: My Microsoft account has been hacked. How will I know?
Signs that you have an account hacked by Microsoft include you can't log in, something unusual is happening, security alerts are popping from Microsoft, some emails or files missing, or even devices in the activity log on your account.
Q2: If it's not possible to recover account by using a recovery tool then?
A: Microsoft Support
Offer as many details as you can so Microsoft Support can help confirm your identity.
Q3: Do I get access to emails and files that had been deleted while my account is under hacking attempt?
A: Try the first to check your "Deleted Items" or "Trash". Still cannot find those files? Utilize OneDrive's file recovery tool or Contact Microsoft Support.
Q4: How to prevent my Microsoft account from getting hacked again?
A: Use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, monitor your activity in your account, and stay aware of phishing scams.
Q5: Will Microsoft alert me if my account is hacked?
A: No, Microsoft does have the option to send security alerts if suspicious activity is discovered. This should be monitored yourself.
Q6: Can I recover my account with no recovery email or phone number?
A: It is harder, but you can use the account recovery tool provided by Microsoft and supply other verification information.
Q7: How long does it take to recover a hacked Microsoft account?
A: It will depend on the circumstances, but if you can access the recovery options, then it should be a matter of minutes. However, it can take more time if you cannot access them or need to get in touch with support.
Recovering a hacked or compromised Microsoft account may be a daunting task, but you are able to do so if you follow the steps given in this article. Change your password, enable two-factor authentication; monitor the account for suspicious activity, and act within this time frame.
Prevention is better than cure; therefore, avoiding future hacks depends on prevention. Keep updating your password, and be cautious against phishing scams; also, keep using security features like 2FA to secure your account. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
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