What happens if there's an unusual sign-in to your account (2024)

FAQs

Why is Microsoft telling my my Gmail account has had an unusual sign-in? ›

If you sign in to your account while traveling or if you install a new app that signs in with your account, you may get an alert. We just need you to provide a security code so we know it was you, and that your account is safe. To learn what you can do about unusual activity, select one of the following headings.

What does “unusual activity” mean? Unusual activity can be related to issues like phishing, logging in from shared connections, using weak passwords, or using the same password on multiple websites.

Access from a Known Malicious IP Address: If login attempts come from an IP address known for malicious activities, it can trigger suspicion. Failed Authentication: Repeated failed authentication attempts or providing incorrect credentials multiple times can raise suspicion.

Sign in to the Advanced security options page of your Microsoft Account. Expand the verification option and select Remove. Confirm the removal by selecting Remove again.

If someone gets access to your Microsoft account, they may be able to use your email to reset the passwords for your other accounts, like banking and online shopping. You can change your password on the Security basics page at any time.

To help protect your account, we send you an email when we notice unusual sign-in activity, like an attempt to sign in from a different location or device than normal.

Google shows users a history of account activity on the Last Account Activity page. If you see an unfamiliar IP address, device, or location on this page, it means someone has access to your account.

If you notice unfamiliar or suspicious activity on your account, you can take control of your account and make it more secure. To start, sign in to your Google Account and tap Security at the top. Important: If you cannot sign in, go to the Account Recovery page and answer the questions as best you can.

The Windows Defender warning you see on the browser is a scam, identified and exposed by security professionals. Illegitimate actors are using this scam to gain valuable information about the victims, such as bank and personal details.

How do you see if someone is using your email? ›

Many email service providers will keep a log of IP addresses that have accessed your account. This will show you the device, browser type, and physical location of who's accessing your inbox. For example, in Gmail, look for “details” in the bottom right corner of your inbox.

There is also the possibility that they might actually install software which is malicious, such as a real virus or Trojan that can capture your personal information such as passwords or credit card and bank details.

How do I know if my Microsoft Security alert is real? If you're unsure about the source of a security alert email, check the sender information for Microsoft's account protection address. Look carefully at the language used in the email, and check for any instances of poor formatting, spelling, or grammar.

That email is a phishing scam and not legitimate. Microsoft does not send out an email notifying you about the closure of an account.

Your Gmail address is actually just an alias for your Microsoft account and not a real Google account. While Windows can be logged in using a Microsoft account, it cannot be logged in using a Google account. To avoid confusion, you may want to consider adding an alias to your Microsoft account.

When you sign up for a Microsoft account or add an email address to your account, we automatically send a request to that email for you to verify that we have the right address.