Account Takeover Attacks: How to Lock Down Your Email Inbox

Email is still a crucial way to communicate, whether for business or personal use. But what should you do if your account gets hacked and it contains sensitive information?

Let’s look at what an email account takeover is, the risks it poses, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Is Email Account Takeover?

Email account takeover occurs when someone gains unauthorised access to your email account.

Cybercriminals use various techniques to break in - aiming to steal sensitive data, commit fraud, or launch further attacks.

Who’s at Risk of Email Account Takeover?

Anyone with an email account could be targeted.

But individuals in certain roles - such as those working in legal, financial, or executive positions - face higher risks due to the value of the data they handle.

How Do Hackers Gain Access to Your Email Account?

Cybercriminals use a mix of social engineering and technical tactics. Common methods include:

Phishing attacks: Fake messages that trick you into clicking malicious links or entering your login details on fake websites.

Credential stuffing: Hackers try login credentials stolen from previous breaches to access your account.

Man-in-the-middle attacks: Intercepting data on unsecured networks to capture login information.

Keylogging: Malware that records keystrokes, including your login details.

Social engineering: Impersonating trusted contacts to trick you into revealing information.

What Are the Risks Associated With Account Takeover?

The consequences can be serious. You might face:

Financial loss: Attackers could access payment or business data in your inbox.

Identity theft: Personal data can be used to open accounts or make fraudulent purchases in your name.

Malware spread: Hackers might send infected messages to your contacts.

Reputational harm: A breach could damage customer trust, especially if client data is involved.

Business email compromise: Criminals can impersonate you to authorise payments or extract information.

Prevention: Best Practices to Secure Your Email Inbox

1. Use Strong Passwords

Choose long, unique passwords. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends using three random words.

Use a password manager to store passwords securely.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA adds a second layer of protection. Even if your password is stolen, a criminal can’t log in without your device.

You can also use MFA to authenticate secure emails.

3. Implement Encryption

Encrypting your emails ensures only intended recipients can read them.

Choose tools with end-to-end encryption to protect your messages in transit and at rest.

4. Keep Devices Secure

Install software updates and security patches promptly. Enable automatic updates wherever possible.

5. Conduct Awareness Training

Educating employees on threats like phishing can prevent costly mistakes.

A short training session could stop an attacker in their tracks.

Recovery: Immediate Steps to Take After a Suspected Attack

If you think your email account has been hacked, act fast:

1. Change your password: Set a new, strong password immediately.

2. Review activity: Look through your login history and sent messages for anything unusual.

3. Inform your provider or IT team: Let them know so they can help secure your account and investigate.

4. Check linked accounts: If you’ve reused passwords, those accounts may also be at risk.

Prioritising Email Security

Strong defences and the right tools can help you prevent breaches before they happen.

Using secure email software like Mailock adds extra protection, especially when handling sensitive customer information.

References

Three Random Words: Making Passwords Easy to Remember, National Cyber Security Centre, 2021

Multi-factor Authentication for Online Services, National Cyber Security Centre, 2021

Security for People, National Cyber Security Centre, 2022

Reviewed by

Sam Kendall, 12.06.24

Sabrina McClune, 13.06.25