In today’s world, email address leaks are unfortunately a fairly common issue. When your email ends up in the wrong hands, you may be exposed to various types of attacks and scams. Here, I’ll present the most common methods hackers use to exploit your email address – and what you can do to protect yourself.
Phishing
Phishing is likely the most popular scam method. Hackers send emails that pretend to be from trusted companies, such as banks or service providers. The goal is to trick you into clicking a link or downloading an attachment, which can lead to data theft or infection of your device with malware.
Spear Phishing
This is a more advanced version of phishing. In spear phishing, messages are personalized and may contain your personal information, making them seem more credible. These messages may be directed specifically at you or your company – increasing the likelihood that you’ll click the link or respond.
Credential Stuffing
If you use the same password on multiple sites, you’re at risk of a credential stuffing attack. Hackers use databases of leaked information, attempting to log into various platforms using your email and password. This is why it’s so important to use a unique password for every account.
Spam and Scam
After an email address leak, you may notice an increase in spam. Beyond annoying ads, you may also see scam messages offering "guaranteed investments," fake contests, or even “inheritances” from abroad. All of these are aimed at getting you to give away money or other personal data.
Malware in Attachments
Some phishing emails may contain attachments with malware. These could include various types of viruses: spyware, keyloggers (which track what you type on your keyboard), or even ransomware that locks your files and demands a ransom for access.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
If the email leak concerns a business account, the risk increases. Hackers may impersonate employees or contractors to try and steal money or important data. This is one of the most commonly used attack methods targeting businesses.
Account Takeover
With your email in hand, hackers may attempt to take over your accounts on other platforms, especially if you use the same login details across multiple sites. They often exploit the “forgot password” feature, which can give them access to your account.
How to Protect Yourself
- Unique Passwords – Try to use different passwords on different sites. A good idea is to use a password manager, which will remember all your passwords for you.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible. This additional code makes it much harder for unauthorized people to take over your account.
- Be Careful with Links and Attachments – Before clicking a link in an email, thoroughly check the sender and the content of the message.
- Check for Leaks – You can check if your data has been leaked, for instance, on the website Have I Been Pwned.
By taking a few simple steps, you can greatly reduce the risk associated with email address leaks. The internet is full of threats, but a little knowledge and caution are enough to protect yourself effectively.