Email Hacked? Here’s What to Do And How to Protect Yourself Going Forward

In today’s digital world, your email account isn’t just for chatting with friends or getting work updates. It’s your digital command center from bank logins to social media, most of your online life is tied to your email. And that’s exactly why hackers love it.

Recently, there’s been a noticeable rise in email account hacks, not just globally but here in Pakistan too. Whether it’s phishing scams, password leaks, or brute force attacks, a single breach can give cybercriminals access to much more than just your inbox.

Let We know what to do? Immediately if your email is hacked, how to recover it, and the best ways to protect yourself in the future.

Step-by-Step: What to Do if Your Email Gets Hacked

1. Change Your Password Immediately

If you can still log in, update your password right away. Use something strong and unique avoid reusing old ones.

• Gmail: Google Account Open “Security” And Then Open “Password”

• Outlook: Microsoft Account Open “Security” And Then Open “Change password”

• Apple ID: System Settings Open “Apple ID” And Then “Open Sign In & Security”

Can’t log in? Use the “Forgot password” link to recover your account through your phone or recovery email.

2. Log Out of All Devices

Hackers may still be logged in, even after you change your password. Force a logout from all devices in your security settings:

• Gmail: Manage Devices

• Outlook: My Devices

• Apple ID: View all devices at the bottom of the settings

3. Check and Disable Auto Forwarding

Hackers sometimes set your account to secretly forward emails to themselves. Here’s where to look:

• Gmail: Settings And Then Open “Forwarding & POP/IMAP”

• Outlook: Settings Open “Email” Then Open “Forwarding”

• iCloud Mail: Settings And Then Open “Mail Forwarding”

Delete any suspicious forwarding addresses.

4. Review Inbox Filters

They might’ve set up filters to hide messages or redirect emails.

• Gmail: Settings Then Open “Filters”

• Outlook: Settings Then Open “Rules”

• iCloud: Settings Then Open “Rules”

Delete anything that looks unfamiliar.

5. Let Your Contacts Know

If spam or scam messages went out under your name, notify your friends, family, or colleagues that your email was compromised. It helps them stay safe and avoid being tricked.

6. Secure All Linked Accounts

Change passwords on any services linked to the compromised email especially banking apps, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Hackers may try password resets using your email.

Why This Matters in Pakistan

Cybercrime is rising fast in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. In 2023, Pakistan’s FIA Cybercrime Wing received more than 100,000 digital fraud complaints, including hacked email and social media accounts.

Many users still use the same password across platforms or skip two-factor authentication (2FA), making them easy targets.

A senior FIA official puts it bluntly:

“We’re seeing more brute force and phishing attacks because people don’t take basic precautions.”

How to Prevent Future Hacks

Here’s how to stay one step ahead of hackers:

• Use strong, unique passwords (try a password manager)

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all important accounts

• Use authenticator apps (like Google or Microsoft Authenticator) instead of SMS

• Keep recovery info up-to-date

• Check login history regularly for unknown devices or locations

Conclusion

We all slip up sometimes maybe you clicked a weird link or ignored a security alert. It happens. The good news is, with the right steps, you can take back control and protect your digital life. So, if your email’s been hacked: Act fast. Be thorough. Stay calm.

And next time? Set yourself up to be unhackable.