10 Urgent Steps to Take If Your Hotmail Account Is Hacked

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In the digital age, email accounts have become a gateway to our personal and professional lives. Among them, Hotmail, now part of Outlook.com, remains a popular choice for many. However, the popularity of the platform also makes it a target for hackers. If you find your Hotmail account has been hacked, it's crucial to take swift action. Here are the 10 urgent steps you should take:

Step 1: Immediately Change Your Password

The first and foremost step is to change your password. Log in to your account (if you can), navigate to the account settings, and choose a strong, unique password. Make sure it's a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.

Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

To add an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires an additional code, usually sent to your phone, to log in, making it harder for hackers to access your account.

Step 3: Review and Revoke Access

Check your account's connected applications and services.Revoke access to any unrecognized or suspicious third-party apps.

Step 4: Check Your Account Recovery Options

Ensure that your account recovery options, such as alternate email addresses or phone numbers, are up to date and secure. This will help you regain access if your account is locked or hacked again.

Step 5: Scan for Malware

Run a malware scan on your devices. Sometimes, hackers use malware to steal login credentials. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and perform a full system scan.

Step 6: Contact Your Contacts

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Inform your contacts that your account was hacked. This way, they'll be aware of any potential phishing emails sent from your account.

Step 7: Report the Hack to Microsoft

Report the incident to Microsoft support. They can help you further secure your account and investigate the breach.

Step 8: Review Your Sent Items and Deleted Items

Go through your sent and deleted items to see if the hacker sent any malicious emails from your account. This can help you assess the damage and take further action if needed.

Step 9: Monitor Your Account Activity

Regularly check your account activity to spot any unusual behavior. Outlook.com provides tools to view your recent account activity.

Step 10: Learn from the Experience

Use this experience as a learning opportunity. Understand how the hack might have happened and take proactive measures to prevent it in the future.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regularly updating your passwords, using 2FA, and being cautious of suspicious emails and links can go a long way in keeping your Hotmail account secure. If your account is hacked, don't panic. Follow these 10 urgent steps, and you'll be able to minimize the damage and secure your account.

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