You Have 7 Days To Act Following Gmail Lockout Hack Attack, Google Says

In a recent alert from the FBI, users of webmail platforms like Gmail have been warned to take immediate action to secure their accounts due to a surge in ransomware attacks on the platform. But for those who are already locked out of their Gmail accounts following a hack attack, Google has a lifeline that they can tap into within seven days.

With over 1 billion active users, Gmail is one of the most popular free email platforms on the planet, making it a prime target for scammers and hackers. If a hacker gains control of your account, including changing your phone number, email address, password, and second authentication factor method, all may seem lost. However, Google has provided a way out for those who act quickly, and that's within the next seven days.

How To Recover A Hacked Gmail Account

The first step in recovering a hacked and compromised Gmail account is to act swiftly. According to Google spokesperson Ross Richendrfer, this means employing a phishing-resistant authentication methodology like a passkey as soon as possible. However, if you're already locked out of your account, it's too late for that.

Google recommends that all Gmail users have a recovery phone number and recovery email address attached to their Google account. These can be used in cases where users forget their own passwords or if an attacker changes the credentials after hijacking the account. This is where the time limitation comes in – Gmail users have a seven-day grace period following any recovery phone number change during which they, as the original account holder, can regain control of the account.

According to Richendrfer, the ideal recovery phone number should be for a smartphone that belongs only to the Gmail account holder and is used regularly by them. It's also recommended to keep this phone on their person at all times.

The Importance Of Recovery Options

"When you change your recovery email," Richendrfer said, "you may be able to choose to get sign-in codes sent to your previous recovery email for one week." This provision is crucial in the fight against account hacking and provides users with a safety net during the seven-day window.

Additional Resources

For those who need more guidance on recovering their hacked Gmail accounts, Google has provided step-by-step recovery instructions online. These resources can be found on the official Gmail support pages, where users can find detailed information on how to regain control of their accounts.

Don't wait until it's too late – take action now and protect your Gmail account from hackers and scammers. Remember, with a little bit of effort, you can regain control of your account within the next seven days.