My Outlook account hacked how to recover
Expert Solution and Fixes if Your outlook account hacked
My Outlook Account Hacked: How to Recover and Secure Your Account
Having your Outlook account hacked can be a stressful and alarming experience. An account that has been compromised allows unauthorized access to your emails, contacts, and sensitive information. It may even lead to identity theft or financial loss. But acting quickly and following the right steps can help you recover your account and prevent further damage.
## Signs Your Outlook Account Has Been Hacked
Before starting with recovery procedures, it's essential to note the signs your Outlook account has been compromised:
1. **Strange Emails from Your Account**: Friends or colleagues may inform you about strange emails sent from your account.
2. **Password No Longer Works**: You cannot log in to your account because the password has been changed.
3. **Unfamiliar Activity**: You notice emails you didn't send, contacts you didn't add, or changes to your account settings.
4. **Security Alerts**: Microsoft is sending you alerts about suspicious login attempts or changes to your account.
5. **Missing Emails**: Important emails or folders have been deleted without your knowledge.
If you experience any of these, you should act quickly to recover your account.
## How to Recover a Hacked Outlook Account
Follow these steps to regain control of your hacked Outlook account:
1. **Try to Log In**
If you can log in to your account, do so now and change your password. Here's how to do it:
1. Go to the [Outlook login page](https://outlook.com).
2. Enter your email address and password.
3. If you can log in, go to **Settings** > **View all Outlook settings** > **Security** > **Change password**.
4. Create a strong, unique password and save the changes.
2. **Use Microsoft's Account Recovery Tool**
If you can't 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. Once verified, reset your password and regain access to your account.
3. **Check for Unauthorized Changes**
If your account has recovered, check on the account's settings for anything that may be changed without consent:
1. Go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Sync email.
2. Look through unfamiliar email forwarding rules or aliases.
3. Check your security settings to be sure no unapproved devices have been added.
4. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Activation of two-factor authentication will require an additional verification step for each login attempt:
1. Go to the Microsoft account security page.
2. Under **Two-step verification**, click on **Set up two-step verification**.
3. Follow the prompts to link your phone number or an authenticator app to your account.
5. **Scan Your Device for Malware**
Malware on your device may have caused the hacking of your account. Run a trusted antivirus program on 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 **Outlook** and describe your issue.
3. Follow the instructions provided by the support team.
## How to Secure Your Outlook 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. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
2. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**
As pointed out above, 2FA provides an additional layer of security by using a verification code in addition to your password.
3. **Check Account Activity**
Scan your account activity for suspicious logins
1. Go to your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Check recent activity and sign out of unknown devices.
4. **Keep Recovery Information Current**
Your recovery email address and phone number should be current:
1. In your browser, go to your [Microsoft account security page](https://account.microsoft.com/security).
2. Under Security settings, update your recovery information.
5. **Protect against phishing**
Beware of emails or messages that request your login information. Never click on links or provide information until you have verified the identity of the sender.
6. **Use a password manager**
A password manager will generate and store unique, very secure passwords for all of your accounts. This may protect you from future breaches.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I tell if my Outlook account has been hacked?
A: Look for strange emails being sent from your account, unable to log in, strange activity, security alerts from Microsoft about the account, or missing emails.
Q2: What should I do if the recovery tool does not work?
A: Reach out to Microsoft Support. Give as much information as you can so they can verify you.
Q3: Can I recover deleted emails after my account was hacked?
A: If emails were deleted, check the **Deleted Items** folder in Outlook. If they're not there, they may be permanently lost unless you have a backup.
Q4: How can I prevent my Outlook account from being hacked again?
A: Use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, monitor account activity, and avoid phishing scams.
Q5: Will Microsoft notify me if my account is hacked?
A: Microsoft will send security alerts if it detects suspicious activity, but you need to monitor your account.
Q6: Can I recover my account without a recovery email or phone number?
A: It's harder, but you can still use Microsoft's account recovery tool and provide other verification details.
Q7 How long does it take to recover a hacked Outlook account?
A: This all depends on the situation. If recovery options are available, then recovery is taking only a few minutes, and if not, then you will be needing to contact support, which again depends on their response time.
## Conclusion
Recovering a hacked account is always quite challenging and tough, but following the steps mentioned in this article enables you to regain control over your Outlook account and ensure its security. Act fast and change the password; enable two-factor authentication, and track all suspicious activities happening on your account.
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