As a tech blogger, I can provide you with a professional perspective on determining if your mail has been hacked. Here are the steps you can follow to assess the situation:
1. Unusual Activity: Check for any signs of unusual activity in your email account. Look out for sent or received emails that you didn't authorize or recognize.
2. Outgoing Messages: Examine whether your contacts have reported receiving any suspicious emails from your account. If people you know mention receiving strange messages that you didn't send, it could indicate unauthorized access.
3. Login History: Review your email account's login history to see if there are any suspicious IPs or devices that accessed your account without your knowledge. Most email providers offer this feature to track recent login activities.
4. Password Change: If you suspect a compromise, change your email account password immediately. Ensure the new password is strong, unique, and not used elsewhere. This step helps secure your account and locks out any unauthorized access.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA, if not already activated, to add an extra layer of security to your email account. This additional security measure typically requires a verification code sent to your phone for accessing your account, making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized entry.
6. Check Other Accounts: Review other accounts associated with your email address, such as social media, online banking, or online shopping accounts. Look for any suspicious activities, password changes, or unrecognized transactions.
7. Notify Service Provider: If you have strong suspicions of being hacked, contact your email service provider's support team. They can guide you through the process of securing your account, investigating the breach, and letting you know if any further actions should be taken.
Remember, it's always crucial to remain vigilant when it comes to securing your online accounts. Regularly updating passwords and implementing additional security measures further mitigates the risk of unauthorized access.