4 Signs Your Microsoft Account Has Been Hacked – And What to Do About It

🔐 Is Your Microsoft Account Hacked? Here's How to Tell

Your Microsoft account connects everything from your email and calendar to Xbox, OneDrive, Teams, and more. That means if a hacker gains access, they’re not just snooping—they could be stealing personal data, accessing your business files, or scamming your contacts.

Knowing the signs your Microsoft account has been hacked can help you act fast and stay protected. In this guide, we’ll show you what to look out for and what to do if your account’s been compromised.

🛑 4 Signs Your Microsoft Account Has Been Hacked

These warning signs are often easy to spot—if you know what you’re looking for.

🔹 1. You Get a Security Alert from Microsoft

One of the clearest signs your Microsoft account has been hacked is a security notification. Microsoft keeps an eye on where and how you usually log in. If something looks unusual—like a sign-in attempt from a different country—you’ll get an alert.

⚠️ Watch out for phishing emails too. Fake security alerts are common scams. If an email is asking for your password or looks suspicious, don’t click. Instead, log into your account directly or contact Microsoft support.

🔹 2. Unusual Activity in Your Email

If you notice emails being sent that you didn’t write—or messages mysteriously vanishing from your inbox—it’s time to investigate.

Check your Sent and Deleted folders. If there are messages you don’t recognise, someone may be using your account to spread spam or phishing links.

🔹 3. Changes to Your Profile or Security Settings

If your name, recovery phone number, or email has changed—and you didn’t update them—that’s a red flag. Another common trick? Hackers turning off multi-factor authentication to stop you from regaining control.

Keep an eye on your security settings regularly to make sure nothing’s been tampered with.

🔹 4. Mail Forwarding Has Been Enabled

Some hackers set up email forwarding rules to secretly receive your emails—even after you’ve locked them out. This allows them to monitor communications or target your contacts.

To check this, go to Settings > Mail > Forwarding and make sure nothing has been turned on without your permission.

🛠️ What to Do If Your Microsoft Account Has Been Hacked

If you’ve seen any of the signs above, act quickly. Here’s what to do to regain control and secure your account:

✅ 1. Run a Full Virus Scan

Start by scanning your device for malware—especially if you suspect the hack began after clicking a dodgy link. Use a reputable antivirus tool and remove anything suspicious. Set up regular scans going forward to stay protected.

✅ 2. Change Your Microsoft Password

Go to your Microsoft Account Security page and update your password. Use something strong: a mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters—and avoid anything you’ve used before.

✅ 3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

If it’s not already on, turn on two-step verification. Microsoft will then ask for a second code when logging in on new devices—sent to your phone, email, or authenticator app.

👉 Microsoft recommends having at least three forms of recovery info linked to your account—like a backup phone number or secondary email.

✅ 4. Review and Reset Your Account Settings

Check your contact details, security preferences, mail rules, and connected apps. Remove anything you don’t recognise and disable suspicious settings (like email forwarding).

Also, review your third-party app connections. If they don’t look familiar—or you’re not using them anymore—remove them.

✅ 5. Warn Your Contacts

Let your contacts know you’ve been hacked—especially if spam or phishing emails were sent from your address. Tell them not to click on anything suspicious, and to delete any dodgy messages that look like they came from you.

🔄 What If You’ve Lost Access to Your Microsoft Account?

If hackers have locked you out, you can try to recover your account using Microsoft’s Account Recovery Form.

You’ll need to:

• Provide the email address or phone number linked to your account

• Verify your identity

• Follow the on-screen instructions

If successful, you’ll be able to reset your password and get back in. If not, you can request help from Microsoft’s support team.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Microsoft Account in Future

Staying safe online is about good habits.

Here’s how to make sure your Microsoft account stays secure:

✅ Use strong, unique passwords (and consider a password manager)

✅ Keep multi-factor authentication turned on

✅ Check your sign-in activity and security settings regularly

✅ Avoid clicking on links in unexpected or suspicious emails

✅ Keep your antivirus software up to date

✅ Make sure your devices have the latest security patches installed

💡 Final Thoughts

Your Microsoft account is likely a central hub for both work and personal life—so keeping it secure is essential. If you think your account’s been compromised, don’t wait. The faster you act, the less damage can be done.

And if you need support securing your Microsoft account, or any part of your IT setup, our friendly team at IT Desk is just a call away.