Use this guide to learn how to tell if your Gmail account is hacked. As with most online accounts, your Gmail account is susceptible to hacking. It’s important to be aware of the signs that your account has been hacked, as well as what you can do if it has been compromised.
In this article, I’ll explain the ways Gmail can be hacked and what you can do to protect yourself. I also explain how phone hacking can lead to the exposure of everything you do on your phone.
It’s scary stuff but don’t worry there are things you can do to secure your accounts and stay safe.
How Gmail Can Be Hacked
There are a number of ways that your Gmail account can be hacked. You could be targeted personally by someone using phone spy software to get access to your Gmail.
You could be caught up in a public data breach where Gmail details are exposed by hackers. These data breaches seem to be happening more frequently and can cause real problems.
Other ways your Gmail can be hacked include more sophisticated scams such as Phishing and Vishing attacks or malware infections.
Spy Apps and Gmail
Modern phone spy apps have come a long way in terms of their capabilities. Most apps can now monitor Gmail. Once the spy app is installed on your device it will report almost every activity you engage in on your phone.
The hacker can then see everything reported in a secure online dashboard or control panel. Apart from seeing everything you do in Gmail spy apps can monitor a wide range of things. From your call logs and text messages to GPRS tracking and even voice call recording.
Worst of all – you will not know the spy app is there as they are very well hidden.
Other Ways Gmail Can Get Hacked
Phishing attacks can be a big problem. This is when someone sends you an email that looks like it’s from Google or another trusted source, but is actually a scam. The email asks you to click on a link or provide your username and password. If you do this, the hacker will have access to your account.
Another way that Gmail can be hacked is through malware. This is software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge. It can be used to steal your passwords or other personal information.
Finally, your Gmail account can be hacked if someone obtains your login information. This could happen if you reuse the same password on multiple websites, or if someone gets access to your email account.
These are the most common ways your Gmail can be hacked but there are other threats out there and new ones will come along. So now you realize that Gmail may not be as secure as you first thought.
Next I want to look at signs of hacking. This can be in two parts. Firstly if your Gmail account itself has been compromised. Secondly if your phone has been hacked and this leads to your Gmail.
Signs Your Gmail Account Has Been Hacked
There are a number of signs that your Gmail account may have been hacked. If you notice any of these, it’s important to take action right away:
- Unexplained changes to your account, such as emails being sent or received that you don’t remember
- Suddenly getting a lot of spam or junk mail in your inbox
- A sudden drop in the number of emails you receive
- Your inbox is flooded with new people you don’t know or who aren’t normally emailed in your contacts
- Suspicious activity, such as being logged out unexpectedly
- Unusual logins to your account from locations you don’t remember
- You no longer have access to the Gmail account
- You have a gut feeling that something is not right
These can be signs that your account itself has been compromised in some way. If you are noticing any of these you need to investigate further.
Signs Your Phone is Hacked – and Gmail
If you’re seeing any of the signs below, it’s possible that your phone has been hacked and this is how the hacker is getting access to your Gmail account.
- Your phone is suddenly very slow or keeps crashing
- Your battery is draining quickly, even when you’re not using your phone
- You can’t open certain apps on your phone
- Your phone is suddenly very hot to the touch
- Unexplained charges on your phone bill
- Your phone is sending or receiving strange texts or calls
- Apps on your phone are behaving strangely or not working properly
- Your camera or microphone are suddenly activated without you knowing
- Unexplained shutdown or restarting of the device
In the Security Section of this website I cover in detail how to detect Stalkerware in particular. I also have a guide on telling if your phone has been hacked by other means. Have a good look around those articles for more help.
So now you think your Gmail is Hacked what next?
What To Do If Your Gmail Account Is Hacked
If you think your Gmail account has been hacked, there are few things that you need to do as soon as possible. This first section includes steps to take in order to secure your account itself:
- Change your Gmail password immediately – use a strong password that is different to what you have used in the past. You can use a password manager to help you create a strong password.
- If you use your Gmail account to sign in to other services go in and change all those passwords too.
- Contact Google and report your Gmail account as compromised.
- Check your account for any other signs of intrusion and take action if needed.
- Run your anti-virus app and also scan your phone for malware and remove any that is found.
- Review your Google account settings and make sure you are happy with the level of security.
- If you use two-factor authentication, make sure you are using the latest version and that your recovery information is up to date.
The next section includes steps to take if you think your phone has been hacked:
- Change your passwords for all of your accounts, including your Gmail account.
- Reboot your phone into safe mode and then check for any unusual apps.
- Use an app like Avast Mobile Security to scan your device for suspicious activity, malware, spyware and viruses.
- Contact your carrier if you notice any unusual charges on your account or if you think your phone is being accessed by somebody else.
- If possible, use a different device to check out your Gmail account and see if it has been compromised.
Again I have several security articles to help you further: How to Remove any Hack from your Phone – and then How to Remove Hidden Spy Apps from Your Phone.
The good news is that even if the hacking has been extensive or is from a well hidden spy app there is a failsafe. Performing a Factory Reset (or hard reset) on your phone will remove any hack at all. It works every time.
The downside is that it will also remove all your apps and personal data. You can get around that by creating a backup of your personal data before resetting.
Some other guides that might help:
- How to tell if Twitter has been hacked
- How to know if your Skype account has been hacked
- Ways to know your Tinder account is hacked
- Find out if your Telegram acount is hacked
If you have serious problems with spy apps you might want to look at my Premium Security Ebook. It covers everything in great detail. From detecting spy apps to removing them and protecting your phone in future. Have a look below and see what you think you might need:
Conclusion
Your Gmail can indeed be hacked and may not be as secure as you first thought. The fact that your Gmail might be compromised means that other accounts are exposed as well.
Phone hacking can lead to Gmail hacking as well as almost everything you do using your phone. So the dangers are real and wide ranging.
But there are steps you can take to help yourself. The first step is to learn how to know if your Gmail is hacked then you can act to secure both your account and your phone. Stay safe!
