Gmail alert: account has been hacked

Oh no! If you've received a Gmail alert saying that your account has been hacked, here's what you should do:

Immediate Action

  1. Change your password: Go to the Gmail sign-in page and enter your email address. Click on "Forgot password" and follow the prompts to reset your password.
  2. Enable 2-Step Verification: This adds an extra layer of security to your account. Go to the Google Account settings page, click on "Security" and then "2-Step Verification".
  3. Review recent activity: Go to the Google Account settings page, click on "Recent activity" to see if there have been any unusual sign-in attempts or changes to your account.

Additional Steps

  1. Check for suspicious devices: Go to the Google Account settings page, click on "Security" and then "Devices". Remove any devices that you don't recognize.
  2. Change your recovery email and phone number: Go to the Google Account settings page, click on "Security" and then "Recovery email" and "Recovery phone". Update these to new, secure email and phone numbers.
  3. Run a virus scan: Make sure your computer and devices are free from malware. Run a full scan with your antivirus software.
  4. Monitor your account: Keep an eye on your account activity and report any suspicious activity to Google.
  5. Consider a password manager: Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.

Prevention is the best medicine

To avoid getting hacked in the future:

  1. Use strong, unique passwords: Use a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.
  2. Enable 2-Step Verification: This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
  3. Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
  4. Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry! If you're unsure about any of these steps or need further assistance, feel free to ask.