Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Recover your hacked account
• Method 2 of 2: Prevent future hacks
• Warnings
• Necessities

If your friends tell you that they are receiving spam from your Hotmail address (now Outlook), there is a chance that your account has been hacked. Try the following steps to save your account.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Recover your hacked account

1. Change the password if you can still log in. If you can still access your account through the security questions, you must reset your password as soon as possible.
   • Come up with a strong password of at least eight characters with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
   • Reset your password regularly, even if you don't have any problems with your account.
2. If you cannot access your account with the security questions, go to the Outlook homepage. Click on the link that says "Can't access the account?".
   • Follow the instructions.
   • Recover your account if the above steps don't work. Fill out the form on the "Recover Microsoft account" page and wait for a technician to answer. This usually takes 3 working days.

Method 2 of 2: Prevent future hacks

1. Make sure Windows Update is always on. Windows Update must be activated to receive critical security updates.
2. Download an anti-virus program with automatic updates. If your email account has been hacked using spyware, an anti-virus program can detect and deactivate the spyware.
3. Reset your account settings. Microsoft will remove all account settings if you report that your account has been hacked. You can reset your settings yourself from "Options", you get there by first clicking on the gear icon at the top right and choosing "More e-mail settings".
4. Recover the deleted messages. If Microsoft determines that your account has been hacked, they will forward all messages to a safe place.
   • Click on "Deleted" in the left column.
   • Click on "recover deleted messages" at the bottom of the page. If Microsoft still has messages on the server, they will be sent back to the "Deleted" folder.

Warnings

• Never reply to an email asking for your Hotmail address and password.
• Be careful when viewing your email on a public computer. When logging in, make sure that the "Keep me logged in" option is unchecked and close all browser windows when you are done.

Necessities

• Strong password
• Windows Update
• Anti-virus program