Your Hotmail Account Was Hacked?

A few days ago I was walking with a friend when she got a call.  Her friend was asking her what the hell she doing on MSN messenger. Her display picture was something Hugh Hefner would be proud of - an exotic depiction of legs wide open.  

Immediately she rushed home to find that even her display name was changed and she had lost control of her account to some pilferer parading as her and chatting with her friends.

Luckily she was able to change her password and account name to lock out the intruder - or did she?

This raises the question I have been asking for a few years now:  Is my email safe?  What can you do to guarantee that your online accounts are safe?

Well, I have bad news for you because the fact is you are never 100% safe from intrusion.  Email and other online accounts work by storing your information remotely (remote server) and you therefore have to traverse the WWW (internet) to access and use these services.  Apart from the built in safety features, including HTTPS (a secure layer/connection) use for logging into accounts you do not have much protection from the technically savvy hacker especially if you do not understand the mechanism yourself. 

There is some hope however, and it sits with you taking the necessary steps to reduce your exposure to intrusion.  Below we have outlined a prescription (source: windows live Hotmail help) for the case where you have been breached.

What should I do if my account has been hacked?

If your account has been compromised—or hacked—it means that someone stole your password and might be using your account to access your personal information or send spam. To recover your account and prevent it from being hacked again, follow these steps.

1. Install an antivirus program on your computer

Most hackers get your password through malware (malicious software) that's been installed on your computer without your knowledge (for example, when you download a new screen saver or toolbar). It’s important to clear your computer of viruses or malware before you change your password. That way, the hackers won’t get your new password.

After you install an antivirus program, set up the program to get updates and scan your computer on a regular basis. If you're running Windows, you can download and install Microsoft Security Essentials for free.

2. Change your password

After you install an antivirus program, try to sign in to your account.

    If you can still sign in to your account, you should change your password right away.

    If you can’t change your password, try to reset your password.

3. Prevent your account from being hacked in the future

You can take the following actions to keep your account safe and make it easier to recover if it’s ever compromised again.

Create a strong password for your Hotmail account

    Make it at least eight characters long.

    Don't use your user name, real name, or company name.

    Don't use complete words.

Make it significantly different from previous passwords and don’t use the same password for all of your accounts.

Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (such as !, #, *).

Make sure your operating system has the latest updates
Most operating systems have free software updates to enhance security and performance. Because updates are important for keeping your computer safe, we strongly recommend that you set up your computer to get these updates automatically.

You can easily set up your computer to get the latest updates automatically for Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.
Never reply to emails asking for your Hotmail password

Email providers should never ask for your password in email, so never reply to emails asking for any personal information (even if they claim to be from Hotmail, Windows Live, or Microsoft).
Be careful signing in to your Hotmail account from public computers or unsecured wireless networks

If you often use public computers or unsecured wireless connections, consider changing your account to always use HTTPS. To start using HTTPS, change your settings. You can also request a single-use code to use when you need to sign in from a public computer. This is a good option if you just use public computers every now and then. 

Make your account easier to recover in the future

Password reset information can make it easier to recover your account if someone else takes control of it. Because this information is used for your safety, it's a good idea to add as much password reset information as you can. Learn more about why it's a good idea to add password reset information.

To add password reset information

Go to the Windows Live Account overview webpage, and then sign in with your Windows Live ID.

Under Password reset information, click Add next to Email, Mobile phone, Trusted PC, or Question, and then follow the on-screen instructions to add the password reset information to your account.

Prevention is always better than prescription so avoid getting your accounts breached.  The implications can be very grave and you will do not need to know the consequences of losing your account or other private information online.