In the digital age, the email address has become a key to our personal and professional lives. But this precious sesame can also be the target of fraudulent use, without our knowledge. Identity theft, registration for unwanted services, or even theft of sensitive data, the consequences of a compromised email address can be serious.
How do you know if your email address is being misused?
1. Watch for and spot any suspicious signs
- Unusual emails: Messages from unknown senders, notifications from services you don't use, or sudden password changes to your online accounts are potential signs of fraudulent use of your email address. email.
- Suspicious activities on your accounts : Unusual connections to your bank or social network accounts, purchases not made by you, or even changes to your personal information are all clues that may indicate an intrusion.
2. Check your email address on “data leak” sites.
Many websites list email addresses compromised in cyberattacks. By entering your address there, you will know if it has been exposed and if it is likely to be used for malicious purposes.
Here are some reference sites to check if your email address has been compromised:
Have I Been Pwned (HIBP)
This site is one of the most popular and most complete. It references billions of email addresses compromised in known data breaches. In addition to notifying you if your address has been exposed, HIBP tells you which websites and types of data have been compromised. You can also sign up for email notifications to be alerted if your email address is compromised in a future data breach.
Firefox Monitor
This service offered by Mozilla allows you to check if your email address has been compromised in known data leaks . You can also sign up for email notifications to be alerted if your email address is compromised in a future data breach.
DeHashed
This website provides a search engine for data leaks. You can search by email address, username, or password to see if this information has been compromised.
Cybernews
This website offers a freely accessible database of data leaks. You can search by email address, username, or password to see if this information has been compromised. Cybernews also offers articles and advice on computer security.
3. Use security tools to protect yourself
Some paid antivirus and security software offer email address monitoring and suspicious activity alerts.
What to do if your email address is misused?
1. Change your passwords immediately
Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts , favoring strong, unique passwords for each one.
2. Contact the relevant services
If you notice suspicious activity on a particular account, contact the relevant platform's customer support immediately to report the issue and take appropriate action.
3. File a complaint
In the event of theft of sensitive data or identity theft, it is important to file a complaint with the competent authorities.
4. Protect yourself against future theft
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Be careful with suspicious links and attachments.
- Never share your personal information with strangers.
Conclusion
By remaining vigilant and adopting the right reflexes, you can minimize the risks of your email address being stolen and protect your personal data against remote hacking . Do not hesitate to consult the resources available online to inform yourself and protect yourself against digital threats.
