What to do if your email is compromised.
If your email account is ever compromised, you must act quickly.
It is vital to regain control as quickly as possible to prevent further issues.
Here are some tips in the event of a security breach of your email account.
Tip #1: Change Your Email Password
If you still can access your email account, change your password immediately!
Use a 12 character unique password that contains letters, numbers, & symbols.
If you are locked out, contact your email service provider to regain access. Do not use any provided phone numbers or email addresses within any given email. Instead search online for the official support number or email address.
Tip #2: Change Your Security Questions
The hacker may have also obtained answers to your security questions. This could allow them to access & reset other accounts.
Tip #3: Check Your Email Account Settings
The hacker may have changed your account settings to keep control or monitor your email / online activity.
Check your email account settings, look for any changes in your recovery email, phone number, signature, forwarding address(es), rules, filters, or auto-replies.
If you find any changes, undo them & save your settings.
Tip #4: Scan Devices for Malware
Use an Anti-Virus app to check your computers or mobile devices for infection.
Also, ensure that your PC, mobile devices & programs are fully up to date.
Tip #5: Warn Your Contacts
Let friends, family, & colleagues know that your email was hacked so they do not open suspicious messages or links ‘from you’.
The hacker may attempt to use your email to send spam, phishing, or malware to your contacts. Bonus tip: You can send out a mass email to yourself, then BCC all your contacts. This will hide everyone’s email address while still sending the message out. You’ll get the copy since you put your email in the ‘To’ field.
Tip #6: Monitor Your Accounts
The hacker may have accessed other accounts linked to your email, such as social media, banking, or shopping.
Monitor these accounts for unusual activity, such as unauthorized purchases, withdrawals, or posts.
If your email password was reused on any of these accounts, it is highly advisable to change your passwords and security questions there as well.
You may even want to create fraud alerts to prevent identity theft.
OUR TEAM

Andrew “Andy”
D. W. Hill, CFA
President and
Co-Founder

Jennifer R.
Figurelli, CTFA
Managing Director
and Co-Founder

Elicha D.
Moore
Client Concierge
Representative

Sean
O'Brien
Associate
Portfolio Manager