What to Do Right Now if You Think Your Account is Compromised

Nobody wants that sinking feeling when you try to log in to an account, and your password doesn't work. Or worse, when you get an email notification about account changes you never made. If you're reading this because something feels off with your Yahoo account, take a deep breath. You're not alone, and there are clear steps you can take to regain control and protect yourself going forward.

First things first, the most effective way to protect your account is to use a password manager, which generates and stores complex passwords for you so you only need to remember one password for your vault. They also protect you from phishing attacks because they'll only auto-fill your credentials on legitimate websites, not on a fake lookalike site trying to trick you.

How to Tell If Your Account Has Been Compromised

If, despite your best efforts, you notice unusual activity in your account, you may be dealing with an account takeover. 

Here's what to look for:

• You can't sign in using your usual password
• You get notifications about actions you didn't take (changes to account info or mail settings)
• Your Mail account is sending spam to your contacts
• You see sign-ins from unexpected locations in your security tab
• You're not receiving email, or you see activity you don't recognize (emails marked as read, folders created, messages deleted)

If you're experiencing any of these, your account may have been compromised. Don't panic. Let's fix this.

Immediate Steps to Regain Control

1. Change Your Password Immediately

This is your first priority. If you've been notified of suspicious activity through your recovery channels, complete the account recovery process immediately through the link provided.

Create a strong new password (use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Don't reuse passwords from other accounts. Sign up for a password manager to create and remember super-strong passwords for you.

Yahoo Resources: 

• How to reset or change your password
• Tips for creating strong passwords
• Sign up for a password manager 

2. Verify Your Recovery Information

Check that your recovery details are accurate:

• Review all phone numbers on file and remove any you don't recognize.
• Check all recovery email addresses and delete any that aren't yours.
• If you use a recovery email from another provider, review its security settings too.

Attackers often change recovery information to lock you out permanently, so make sure everything listed belongs to you.

3. Enable Two-Step Verification (2SV) or Passkeys

Adding two-step verification means that even if someone gets your password, they still can't access your account.

Yahoo offers passkeys (biometric verification), app push notifications, or SMS verification. For detailed instructions, check out our guide on securing your Yahoo account.

4. Review Your Account Activity and Kick Out Bad Logins

Go to your account security settings and:

• Review recent sign-in activity and locations
• Sign out of all sessions and devices you don't recognize
• Remove any authorized apps or services you don't use

This protects your account from anyone who might have used your old password. 

5. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Bad actors can jump from your compromised email to your other accounts, especially if you've designated your email as a recovery method or reused passwords.

Check your bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized transactions. Change passwords on any accounts where you reused your Yahoo password. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you're concerned.

6. Install Antivirus Protection

Your computer's built-in security may not catch everything, especially new or sophisticated threats. Installing reputable antivirus software adds an extra layer of protection against malware, spyware, and ransomware that could compromise your accounts and personal information. Consumer Reports evaluates dozens of options each year, so check their current antivirus ratings to find programs with enhanced features and 24/7 protection.

7. Contact Yahoo Customer Care If Needed

If you're having trouble regaining access or securing your account, Yahoo Customer Care is available to help you through the recovery process.

You're More Resilient Than You Think

Having your account compromised feels awful. It shakes your confidence and makes you feel vulnerable. That's completely normal.

But here's what's also true: You caught it. You're taking action by following these steps to recover from this incident and build stronger defenses against future attacks.

You've got this. And if you need help along the way, Yahoo Customer Care is here to support you.