What is the Top Security Tips Will Help You to Support Your Microsoft Outlook Account? - www.office.com/setup

Microsoft has revealed through a customer service agent that there was a hacking attack against their Outlook email service. This attack not only affected Outlook users, but also other services like MSN and Hotmail. Hackers gained login information that allowed the hackers to openly read private emails. www.office.com/setup

The hackers could possibly hack into Outlook users' email accounts to read data like the subject line, email addresses of contacts, folder labels and actual content.

Microsoft released an initial statement that stated there weren't stolen login credentials. The hackers could not access the email contents, they claimed. Motherboard, a news site, published another report. Users were warned that hackers could read Hotmail, MSN, and Outlook accounts by exploiting Microsoft Support. Microsoft issued another statement.

According to the follow-up, only a few users were affected by the attack. This is estimated at 6%. Microsoft assured Enterprise account holders that they were safe from the attacks. The hackers were also able to exploit the vulnerability between January 1 and March 28 2019.

Microsoft reminds users to be cautious of phishing emails and suggests changing passwords. However, it is better to protect your email security by taking control and using other methods to secure your email.

These are five security tips you can use for Microsoft Outlook accounts.

Set up a unique password

While it may be easier to remember a simple password, hackers can still easily deduce your login credentials. It is a bad idea to use obvious passwords that can be deduced from your public and personal information such as your family name or birthday. It is recommended that your password contains more than ten characters and should include both numbers and symbols.

Also, make sure it is unique. This means that you shouldn't have one password for all accounts. Different passwords are better for different applications.

Do not reuse the same password pattern when changing passwords. Hackers will easily guess if you change a single character from the same login. office.com/myaccount

Two-step verification

Microsoft Outlook provides an extra layer of security through its two-step verification. This feature allows you to request a security code every time there is a suspicious login attempt from an unrecognized source.

If the authentication app is available on Microsoft's phone, or to the registered number of the user's mobile phone, the security code will be sent to them. If someone were to gain access to your password, they will still require the security code sent to your phone to log in. If you receive a security code to your phone and it is not requested, this indicates that someone is trying to access your account.

Go to your Microsoft account page and click Security. Then, click on More Security Options. You can then turn on the feature and select where you want to receive the code. This could be in the app or to an alternate email address. Or at your phone number.

Don't share your password with anyone and beware of phishing scams

Your password should only be known by you. If you have to grant access to your account to a friend or family member for an emergency situation, make sure you change your password immediately.

Never give your password to anyone calling or emailing you, even if they claim to work for Microsoft. These impersonators, who are not employed by Microsoft, use a fishing scam to hack your account. Phishing scams are when someone pretends to be from your service provider or misrepresents themselves in order for them to get your credentials. They will attempt to obtain your information and trick you into entering your password. Your service provider will never ask for login information in almost all cases.

You might consider other options for logging into Windows

Although it may seem convenient to log in to Windows from your computer using the same password you use for your Outlook account, this exposes the more sensitive files on your computer to hackers who gain access to your email credentials. You might consider using an alternate login method to log in that goes beyond your password.

Go to Windows Settings and click on Accounts. Then, tap on Sign in Options. You have several options depending on the device. These include a PIN or a picture password, fingerprint recognition, face recognition, and a photo password.

Review recent activity to ensure your recovery information is up-to-date.

Did you change your number? Or do you have a new alternate email? Click Security on the Microsoft Accounts page. Click on the Update Info button. You can then check your details and add security information. When you attempt to log in, you will need the contact information you listed.

Once you have landed on the Security Basics page go to the Review Activity section. This tool provides a history of your Outlook login activity. This tool allows you to verify that all login times, locations, and suspicious attempts have been verified. office.com/setup

These tips will increase the security of Outlook email. You should always be in control of your information and use more than one layer to protect your account.