How to Tell If a Business Email Has Been Hacked
Introduction
Having your business email hacked can pose numerous risks. Cybercriminals could read emails, conduct phishing attacks, establish rules for forwarding, or even try to use the compromised account to access other online platforms.
Identifying the warning signs early will enable a quick response.
Common Signs of a Hacked Email
Not all hacked email signs can be easily noticed by people. Some things to watch out for may include receiving unusual password reset requests, having strange emails sent through your email account, getting reply messages to emails that you never sent, having odd rules within your mailbox, and receiving strange messages from your contacts.
Some other signs of email hacking include being locked out of your email without reason and changes to your account settings.
Check Sign-In Activity
If your email service offers you access to the sign-in history, check for any suspicious activities. Pay attention to strange locations, devices, and authentication actions. Remember that some locations might not be precise, which means that a strange location is a flag, but not proof on its own.
Check Mailbox Rules and Forwarding
Attackers who gain access to a compromised business email can set up rules that prevent security messages from being displayed in the inbox or forward copies of the email outside the company.
Change the Password and Secure the Account
If you believe that your business email has been hacked, then you should change your password from a trustworthy device and make sure that MFA is enabled. If your password has been used in any other service as well, then change your passwords there too.
Based on the scenario, the administrator might have to invalidate all active sessions.
Check for Business Impact
Check recent messages, bills, money requests, and customer correspondence. If there has been an attempt to extort or ask for money or any change in banking information using the hijacked account, notify concerned parties immediately.
Don’t Ignore a Single Warning Sign
An unusual email doesn’t necessarily mean that your business email account has been hacked. Several occurrences of such changes together may call for investigation.
How The Tech Co Can Help
Tech Co can help businesses in Perth with Microsoft 365 Migration services, email security, account security, computer support, and cybersecurity audits. If you believe that a business email has been hacked, consult with an IT expert immediately.
About The Tech Co
Tech Co provides computer and information technology services such as computer repair service, computer and tech troubleshooting, computer and IT business services, Microsoft 365 services, computer wireless networking, computer data backup and retrieval services, and computer security services to both local customers and businesses in Perth, Australia.