Updated: June 02, 2023
114 Views
Was it helpful?
author
by Anton Khomyk
Tech Expert & Writer
993 resolved issues

I cannot log in to Microsoft, and fear I may have been hacked

I got a spam message yesterday

Short summary:

  1. Do not follow any links or download any attachments from the spam message you received.
  2. If you're unable to log in to your Microsoft account, make sure you're not seeing any error messages during the login process.
  3. Access your Outlook account and check for any notifications or emails from Microsoft regarding unusual sign-in activity.
  4. If you have an authentication app installed on your phone, such as Microsoft Authenticator, use it to enhance the security of your account.
  5. Change the password for your email box to strengthen the security of your account.
  6. When using Microsoft Authenticator, enter the device PIN that you use to log into your Microsoft account on your computer.
  7. Try logging in to your Microsoft account again. You should now be able to access your account successfully.
author

Hello, thank you for using Howly.
When you got a Spam message earlier did you follow any links or downloaded any attachments from it?

Customer Replay

No, I replied to the message but did not download anything

author

Okay, good.
Do you see any error messages when trying to log in to your Microsoft account?

image

Customer Replay

No, but I couldn't use my password

author

Okay, where did you try to log in with your Microsoft account?

Customer Replay

Visitor uploaded: Screenshot.img

banner 3
author
Top answer

Your Outlook account might be temporarily blocked because Microsoft noticed some unusual sign-in activity.

Customer Replay

Thanks

author

Tell me please, do you have an Authentication app on your phone?

Customer Replay

Visitor uploaded: Screenshot.img
I can login to Outlook, and I got an email this morning to say there had been some activity. Yes, I do have that app on my phone

author
Top answer

Okay, good, I'd recommend you change the password on your email box and keep using an Authenticator to protect your account from hackers.

Customer Replay

I tried to use the Authenticator, they asked for my PIN but I have no idea what it is!

banner 6
author

The pin used for opening Microsoft Authenticator is your device pin as it uses the user credentials tied to the device.

Customer Replay

What device?

author

You can use the PIN you are using to log into your Microsoft account on your computer.

Customer Replay

I have been able to login, thanks

author

I was glad to help!

banner 9
https://imagedelivery.net/cT5c9Z7JJOphL0SI-n4Eyw/3c08550c-54df-4634-cdd2-c582619f3a00/width=80
Our expert Anton is online and ready to resolve your issues
993 resolved issues
Share on:
Copy to clipbord
Was it helpful?

Get answers until you're satisfied

/images/experts/tech/DannisK.webp
/images/experts/tech/StacyS.webp
/images/experts/tech/BorisP.webp

14 verified experts are online now

Victor Z.

Expert's Assistant

Victor Z.
Ask your question here

No comments yet...

What about starting a discussion? Be the first to share your thoughts!

Write a comment

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, and analyze site traffic.
More info