hacked email

Google’s email service, Gmail was released in the year 2004. When it was first launched in its beta version, an account could be created only if invited. This was later upgraded in the following years. Gmail’s simplicity in design and an interface that was inviting and user-friendly along with the “Google” tag prompted many users to switch over to this service making it one of the most widely used services on the Internet.

With increase in popularity, the possibility of getting attacked also increases. Hackers and social miscreants start hacking email accounts of users sometimes for money, sometimes for privileged information and sometimes, just for fun. Gmail has a number of security features to prevent most attacks but then nothing is unassailable.

So, what do you do if you find your Gmail account hacked? Here are some ways of identifying and dealing with the situation.

Gmail account hacked

It is possible that, at times the hacker might not have changed your password even after intruding into your email account. In such cases, you should check your sent folder for emails that have been sent by using your account but not with your knowledge.

You can also check the Last account activity section that is just below the area that has the details of your messages. Click the Details link to open a separate window that details the log in time and IP of the system that the account has been logged in from. The country from where the account has been logged in from will also be shown. Any unrecognized address or IP would mean that someone has been using your account.

Avoid hacking

Spammers often customize the signature of the mails that you send to resemble the addresses of malicious websites or simply spam. If you find an unknown signature to be accompanying your mails, simply click on Settings from the gear button on the top right hand side of the Gmail window and change the signature settings.

It is also advised to change your password incorporating alphanumeric characters and symbols as soon as you have discovered a hack. You can also contact Gmail’s Support Center for help or advice on this matter. Also, use the extra cover of security that Gmail now provides. With a unique code being sent to your mobile phone, no one will be able to access your account.

Have a check on the above activities and avoid the chances of getting your emails hacked.