Hackers are targeting regular people to steal their crypto, possibly accessing their bank accounts or stalking them. These attacks are still rare, so there’s no need to panic. But it’s crucial to know how to protect yourself if you suspect someone has hacked into your email or social media account.
A few years ago, I wrote a guide to help people protect themselves. Most companies you have accounts with already offer tools to enhance your account security, even before seeking help from them. Here, we explain what you can do on various online services.
It’s essential to note that these methods don’t guarantee your account hasn’t been compromised. If you’re unsure, especially if you’re a journalist, activist, or have a higher risk of being targeted, consider contacting a professional. Access Now, a nonprofit, has a digital security helpline connecting you with experts.
Ensure you enable multi-factor authentication on all your accounts, especially the crucial ones like email, banking, and social media. You can learn how to set up multi-factor authentication on more than 1,000 websites from a directory. You’re not restricted to using the app recommended on that site; there are many alternatives available.
Some online services provide the option of using a physical security key or a passkey stored in your password manager. These are among the best safeguards against potential intrusions into your account using password-stealing malware or phishing attacks.
If you suspect someone has accessed your Gmail account and other Google services, you can check the activity on your account. Scroll to the bottom of your inbox and click on “Details” to view a list of where your account is active. If you notice any unfamiliar activities, you can take steps to secure your account.
Similarly, for other platforms like Outlook, Microsoft logins, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Apple ID, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Signal, X (Twitter), and Snapchat, there are ways to check and secure your accounts. You can review logged-in sessions, manage linked devices, and log out of suspicious or unrecognized sessions.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to secure your online accounts, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your personal information. Remember to use unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and regularly review and manage your account activity for any anomalies.
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