Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by SWHA
Email hijacking has become a common phenomenon in current digital world. Hackers can hijack an individual’s email account and use it to send out spam or even malicious emails to the contacts in the individual’s address book.
What is Email Hijacking
Email hijacking is when a hacker gains access to an individual’s email account and takes control of it. This can happen in different ways, such as when an individual clicks on a phishing link, enters their email login credentials on a fake website, or when they use an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection.
The aim is to gain access to sensitive and confidential information. Once a cybercriminal gains control of a user’s email account, they can view and steal sensitive information such as bank account details, financial statements, login credentials, and personal data to commit identity theft, fraud or other crimes.
They can also use it to send spam or even malicious emails to the contacts in the individual’s address book. This can harm the individual’s reputation, damage their relationships, and even result in identity theft.
How to Identify Email Hijacking
This can happen to anyone at any time, and the consequences can be devastating. In some cases, hackers use email hijacking to send spam emails, phishing links, or other malicious content to the victim’s contacts. In other cases, the hacker may use the victim’s email account to reset passwords to other accounts, steal sensitive information, or commit identity theft. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to identify email hijacking to prevent this security breach.
1. Unable to Access Your Email Account
One of the first signs of email hijacking is when you are unable to access your email account, despite having the correct login credentials. If you notice that your emails are missing, your contacts are receiving spam or phishing emails from your account, or you are receiving notifications of login attempts from unfamiliar IP addresses, it is highly likely that your email account has been hijacked.
2. Check the Sent Items Folder
Another most obvious signs is when you find emails in your Sent Items folder that you did not send. This can indicate that an unauthorized person has gained access to your account and is sending messages on your behalf.
3. Unusual Activity
Another way to identify is to look out for any unusual activity in your email account. This includes logins from unfamiliar locations, changes in account settings, or emails that have been marked as read or deleted without your knowledge.
4. Check for Changes in Email Settings
Hackers who gain access to your email account may also make changes in email settings. For example, they may set up email forwarding to another account, create new rules, or delete existing ones. If you notice any unexplained changes, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised.
Common Methods used by Hackers to Hijack your Email Account
We will explore some of the common methods used by hackers to hijack your email account.
1. Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common methods used to hijack email accounts. It is a social engineering technique where attackers send fake emails to victims, luring them into providing their login credentials.
These emails may appear to be from a legitimate source, like a bank, social media platform, or email service provider, but they contain malicious links or attachments that install malware on the victim’s device.
Once the malware is installed, it can steal the victim’s login credentials and send them to the attacker, who can then use it to compromise the victim’s email account.
2. Password Sniffing
Password sniffing is another method used to hijack email accounts. It involves intercepting network traffic to capture login credentials. Password sniffing can be done using software tools that monitor network traffic or by setting up a fake wireless access point.
The attacker can then capture the victim’s login credentials, including their email account password, and use it to gain unauthorized access to their email account.
3. Social Engineering
Social engineering is a technique used to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Attackers use social engineering to trick victims into revealing their login credentials through deceptive means.
This can include posing as a technical support representative, asking for login credentials over the phone, or sending fake login forms via email. Social engineering attacks are becoming more sophisticated, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to recognize and avoid them.
4. Trojan Horses
Trojan horses are a type of malware that can be used to hijack email accounts. They can be disguised as legitimate software, like email clients, media players, or games, and once installed, they can capture login credentials, keystrokes, and other sensitive information. The attacker can then use the stolen credentials to gain access to the victim’s email account.
5. Weak Passwords
Another common method used by email hijackers is guessing or cracking weak passwords. Passwords that are easy to guess, such as ‘password123’ or ‘123456,’ make it effortless for attackers to gain access to an email account.
Preventing Email Hijacking
Email hijacking also known as Email Account Compromise (EAC), is a type of cyberattack wherein an unauthorized party gains control of a victim’s email account. This can result in compromised sensitive information, data loss, and identity theft. Therefore, it is essential to take proactive measures to prevent it.
Here are some tips to help keep your email account safe from hijacking:
1. Use Strong Password
One of the most crucial steps you can take to protect your email account is to use a strong password. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as your birthdate or your pet’s name. Instead, use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
It’s also recommended to use a password manager such as Bitwarden or Dashlane which stores usernames and passwords in an encrypted format that is almost impossible to hack.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your email account. It requires you to enter a unique code sent to your registered device after entering your login credentials. This means that even if an attacker has your password, they still can’t log in without this additional code.
Depending on the email service provider you are using, two-factor authentication can be set up easily. Gmail, for example, has a two-step verification process that you can set up by following the instructions on their website.
3. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails
Phishing emails are another tactic used by attackers to gain access to victims’ email accounts. They send you an email that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as your bank or email provider, and prompt you to click on a link that leads to a fake login page. Once you enter your login credentials on this page, the attacker can use this information to access your email account.
To prevent this, always verify the source of the email before clicking on any links or downloading any attachments. Check for spelling errors, suspicious links, and the sender’s address.
4. Keep Your Software Updated
Keep your software updated, including your operating system, antivirus, web browser, and email client, lowers the risk of vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Updates often include security patches to fix known vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.
5. Protect Your Device
You should take precautions to protect your device that you use to access your email account. This includes antivirus software, firewalls, and strong passwords for your device.
Also, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, which could be compromised by attackers to intercept your login credentials or other sensitive information. Otherwise connect it through a Virtual Private Network, VPN to prevent hacker interception through the public Wi-Fi network.
Email hijacking can be a severe threat to your online security and privacy. By following these simple tips, you can significantly lower the risk of your email account being compromised, and keep your data and identity safe. Keep in mind that cybersecurity is an ongoing process and requires constant vigilance.
How Do I Take Back Control of My Email Account
Email accounts are one of the essential tools in the modern era of communication. It allows you to receive and send emails, share attachments, and stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers. With so much of our personal and professional life attached to our email accounts, it is essential to keep them safe and secure. But sometimes, we end up losing control of our email accounts, which can lead to serious consequences.
If you suspect that someone else has gained access to your email account, the first step is to take control of it. Here’s how you can do it as below.
1. Change your Password
The first and most crucial step in regaining control of your email account is to change your password. If you can still log in to your email account, go to your account settings and change your password to a strong, unique login credential.
If you’ve lost access to your email account completely, you can use the “forgot password” option to reset it. Make sure to choose a complex password that includes numbers, letters, and symbols.
2. Check your Email Forwarding and Filtering Rules
Hackers can gain access to your email account and set up email forwarding rules to send crucial messages to their email address instead of yours. Check your email’s forwarding settings and remove any that you don’t recognize or have set up. Also, check your filters to ensure that all emails are being delivered to your inbox.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security to protect your email account. By enabling two-factor authentication, you add an extra step for anyone trying to gain access to your email. In addition to your password, you will receive a code sent to your phone or another device that you need to enter to access your account.
4. Keep your Software and Applications Up-to-Date
Outdated software is one of the most significant weaknesses of email security. Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and email application are up-to-date with the latest security patches. This measure helps to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting security vulnerabilities to gain access to your account.
5. Check Your Account Settings
It’s important to ensure that your email account’s security and privacy settings are up-to-date. Check to see if the recovery email and phone number on file are up-to-date. If you find any unfamiliar email accounts or unauthorized recipients, delete them immediately.
6. Scan Your Computer for Malware
Malware, along with phishing scams, is a common way to gain unauthorized access to your email account. Scan your computer for malware with a trusted antivirus software and remove any malicious software found. It may also be a good idea to change the passwords for all of your other accounts to prevent further harm.
7. Contact Customer Support
If you’re unable to regain control of your email account, contact the customer support team for your email provider. They may be able to assist you in recovering your account or further securing it to prevent future breaches.
8. Educate Yourself on Email Security
Taking preventative measures to protect your email account is essential. Stay informed on the latest email security tactics and ensure that you’re practising safe email habits, such as never opening suspicious links or attachments.
Conclusion
Email hijacking is a growing threat to individuals and businesses alike. It can result in financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against it, including securing your email accounts, being vigilant for phishing scams, and using strong passwords.
In conclusion, email hijacking can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about protecting your email accounts. By following the tips outlined in this article and remaining vigilant, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to email hijacking and safeguard your personal and professional data.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your organization against email hijacking. Stay informed, and stay safe.
