Your Account Was HackedHere Is How to Take It Back
A compromised email is the master key to your digital life. Attackers use it to reset passwords on banking, social media, cloud storage, and crypto wallets. The right response in the first hours determines whether you contain the damage or multiply it.
First 5 Steps When Your Account Is Hacked
Changing your password fixes the symptom. Professional recovery fixes the root cause.
Change passwords from a different, clean device immediately
Enable app-based 2FA on all critical accounts (not SMS)
Check email forwarding rules and revoke suspicious connected apps
Scan all devices for malware and keyloggers
Report to the platform and file FBI IC3 complaint if financial loss occurred
Professional Account Recovery Services
Hidden Backdoor Detection
Find and remove unauthorized forwarding rules, OAuth tokens, session hijacks, and delegate access that survive password resets.
Cross-Account Compromise Audit
Systematic identification and securing of every account linked to the compromised email, not just the obvious ones.
Dark Web Credential Monitoring
Ongoing alerts when your exposed credentials surface on dark web markets, giving you time to act before attackers exploit them.
Identity Theft Prevention
Credit freeze coordination, fraud alert setup with all three bureaus, and comprehensive monitoring to prevent downstream identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my account was hacked?
Signs include unexpected password resets, login notifications from unfamiliar locations, messages you did not send, hidden forwarding rules, and unfamiliar connected apps. Check haveibeenpwned.com.
Can hackers get into other accounts from my email?
Yes. A compromised email is the master key. Attackers use it to reset passwords on every linked service. 80% of web application breaches involve stolen credentials (Verizon 2024 DBIR).
Should I report being hacked to police?
Yes, especially if financial loss occurred. File with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov, local police, and FTC at identitytheft.gov. Police reports strengthen insurance claims and bank fraud disputes.
What does PTG do for hacked accounts?
Forensic investigation of how the breach occurred, cross-account auditing, hidden backdoor removal, dark web monitoring, and identity theft prevention. Call 919-348-4912.
Related Resources
A Hacked Account Is a Ticking Clock
Every hour your compromised account stays unsecured is another hour attackers have to pivot into banking, cloud storage, and business systems.