How to Respond If Your Google Email Has Been Compromised

 

Email is a critical aspect of our digital lives and losing control of it can be a nightmare. If you suspect that your Google email has been compromised, it's important to take quick action to prevent further damage. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to regain control of your email and secure it from future attacks.

1. Change Your Password

The first thing you need to do is change your password immediately. This will help to prevent the attacker from accessing your email further. Choose a strong and unique password that you haven't used before. You can change your password by going to the Google account security page and selecting "Change password."

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor or Two-factor authentication is a critical security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Google account. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app before you can log into your account. This makes it much more difficult for someone to access your account, even if they have your password.

    Configure 2FA

    1. Open your Google Account.

    2. In the navigation panel, select Security.

    3. Under “Signing in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification > Get started.

    4. Follow the on-screen steps.

3. Check Your Email Settings and Filters

Check your email settings and filters to see if any unauthorized changes have been made. This includes forwarding rules, send-as settings, and vacation responder. You can access your email settings by going to the Google account settings page.

4. Review Your Email Activity

Check your email activity to see if there have been any suspicious logins or other unauthorized access. You can view your email activity by going to the Google account security page and selecting "Recently used devices." If you see any suspicious activity, take immediate action to secure your account. You should also review your account for any suspicious mail rules. 

In most cases, email accounts are compromised in automated attacks, and the attacker will utilize the account to send further phishing message with the goal of compromising yet more mailboxes. During the attack, they will configure mailbox rules to move any inbound messages containing specific keywords that could alert the victim of the compromise to relatively hidden or unsuspecting folders within the account. It is therefore prudent to review your account for any suspicious message rules moving emails to unusual locations within the account.

5. Report the Incident

If you suspect that your email has been compromised, it's important to report the incident to Google. Google has a reporting form that you can use to report a compromised account. You can also report a compromise to the authorities if you feel that your personal or financial information has been put at risk.

In conclusion, if your Google email has been compromised, it's important to take quick action to prevent further damage. Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, check your email settings and filters, review your email activity, and report the incident. By following these steps, you can regain control of your email and secure it from future attacks.