How can I keep my e-mail account from getting hacked?
E-mail security is an ongoing issue, but there are basic precautions you can take to help keep your account safer from intruders, viruses and other malicious scenarios. To start, make sure your computer’s operating system, security software and e-mail/Web browser program have all the latest updates and security patches installed.
Skipping simple or easy-to-remember passwords in favor of more complex creations made up of letters, numbers and symbols can help thwart those trying to guess your password. Microsoft’s site has a guide to creating strong passwords and a program that evaluates password strength.
If your e-mail provider offers it, take advantage of “two-step authentication,” which adds an extra layer of security to your e-mail account, usually by requiring you to enter a code sent to your mobile phone whenever you sign into the account on a different computer. The major mail providers all offer such verification services, including Google’s Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Microsoft’s Outlook.com.
Time-honored safety practices, like ignoring messages asking for personal information and not clicking links in messages (unless you know the sender and the link is obviously to an entertainment or news site) are also advised. You should also avoid entering your e-mail name and password on public computers or networks.
If someone does get control of your account and you need to verify your identity with your e-mail provider, be prepared to supply plenty of information. In addition to correctly answering the security questions you may have set up when you created the account, you might have to list things like the subjects of recent messages, the e-mail addresses of regular correspondents and other details that only you personally would know.