Is Your Google Account Hacked? 4 Warning Signs to Watch For

With nearly two billion users globally, Gmail is one of the most widely used free email services. Access is tied to a Google account, which integrates various services like:

• Google Ads
• YouTube
• Google Play.

A compromised account can expose emails, documents, photos, and even financial details, enabling hackers to scam your contacts with phishing emails or malicious attachments or extort you. But don’t worry regaining control and securing your account is possible.

Is Your Google Account Compromised?

In spite of Google’s strong security measures, hackers can gain access utilizing stolen credentials, phishing emails, malware, or unreliable Wi-Fi connections. Signs of a breach include:

• Password no longer working.
• Changes to personal information.
• Security alerts for unusual activity.
• Notifications from friends about suspicious messages sent from your account.

Read More: Google’s New Tool Now Will Tell You if Your Password Has Been Hacked

Key Signs Your Google Account May Be Hacked

1. Changes to Security Settings

Unauthorized changes to your security settings are a red flag. Look out for:

• Different recovery phone numbers or email addresses.
• Altered account names or security questions.
• Two-factor authentication being turned off without your knowledge.

2. Suspicious Activity

Strange activity in Google services might indicate a breach:

• Missing or deleted emails.
• Sent emails you didn’t compose.
• Unauthorized uploads or profile changes on YouTube.
• Google Drive showing unknown files or changes.
• Shared photos or unauthorized blog posts.

3. Unauthorized Financial Transactions

Discovering unexplained financial activity is alarming. Examples include:

• Unrecognized purchases via Google Pay.
• New payment methods added to your account.

4. Security Alerts from Google

Google sends alerts for unusual behavior, such as:

• Sign-ins from unfamiliar devices.
• Sudden spikes in email activity.
• Blocked attempts to view stored passwords.
  Be cautious of fraudulent alerts and verify their authenticity.

Steps to Take If Your Google Account Is Hacked

Step 1: Turn On Two-Step Verification

Enable two-step verification to add a layer of security. Options include:

• Passkeys for password-free access.
• Google prompts or verification codes for extra authentication.

Step 2: Check for Malware

Hackers often use malware to gain access. Perform a security checkup by visiting myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. Install and run trusted antivirus software to remove malicious programs.

Step 3: Secure Other Apps and Services

Hackers may target other accounts with reused passwords.

• Change passwords for banking, financial platforms, and social media.
• Ensure all passwords are unique and enable two-factor authentication.

Step 4: Contact Your Bank

Notify your bank even if financial activity seems untouched. Hackers may impersonate you or get access to your accounts using data that has been stolen.

Step 5: Warn Your Contacts

Inform friends and contacts about the breach to prevent phishing scams or malware-laden links.

Recovering a Hacked Google Account

Regaining control of your Google account is often straightforward if you can still log in. If you’re locked out, use Google’s account recovery page. For the best results:

• Access the recovery page from a familiar device and location.
• Provide your number, recovery email, and past passwords.
• Answer security questions, even if your answers aren’t exact.

Read More: How to secure your Facebook account from hackers?

Protecting Your Google Account from Future Hacks

Follow these tips to safeguard your Google account:

1. Upgrade Recovery Details: Make sure your phone number and recovery email address are up to date.
2. Employ Secure Passwords: Create difficult passwords by combining numbers, symbols, and letters.
3. Turn on the two-step verification process: Add another degree of protection.
4. Stay Overhauled: Keep antivirus software, apps, browsers, and working systems up to date.
5. Remove Unused Apps: Delete unnecessary apps and browser extensions.
6. Beware of Suspicious Messages: Avoid clicking on spontaneous links or opening questionable emails.

Bottom Line

A compromised Google account can be unsettling but regaining control is usually manageable. By acting promptly and adopting strong security practices, you can protect your account and personal data from future breaches.