You may not notice it right away, but when a business email account gets compromised, the damage can escalate quickly. Cybercriminals aren’t always looking to lock you out or cause a scene. Sometimes, they’re happy to quietly monitor your inbox — watching, waiting, and gathering information they can use to exploit your company or your clients.

That’s why it’s critical to recognize the warning signs early. The sooner you know something’s wrong, the faster you can contain the threat, reset credentials, and prevent further damage.

Why Email Is a Prime Target

Email is the front door to your business. It’s where invoices are sent, credentials are reset, client conversations are stored, and sensitive documents are shared. That makes it a high-value target for attackers — especially in industries like law, finance, and healthcare.

Unfortunately, most business email accounts (especially those using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) can be accessed from anywhere in the world if the credentials fall into the wrong hands. And with phishing kits and credential-stuffing tools readily available online, it’s easier than ever for attackers to break in quietly.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

While every attack looks different, there are a few common red flags that often point to email compromise:

• You start receiving unexpected password reset requests or MFA prompts

• Clients or colleagues say they received suspicious emails from your address

• You see login alerts from unfamiliar locations or devices

• Emails you never saw are sitting in your Sent or Deleted folders

• Rules appear in your inbox that forward, delete, or move messages without your knowledge

These subtle signs are easy to miss, especially if your day-to-day email habits don’t change. But they often indicate that someone else has gained access — and may already be using your account as a launch point for further attacks.

What to Do If You Suspect a Breach

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t wait. Start by resetting the account password, removing any unknown forwarding rules, and checking for suspicious sign-in activity. If you use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, access the admin center to review login logs and recent activity. It’s also important to notify your IT provider, even if you’re unsure — it’s always better to investigate a false alarm than ignore a real one.

And if your email doesn’t currently have multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled, consider that a top priority. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop unauthorized access — even if your password is compromised.

Get a Free Security Check

Worried that your email account may have been compromised — or want help tightening things up before it happens? Cost+ offers a free security check that can identify vulnerabilities, scan for threats, and give you a clear path forward.

Schedule your free check today and take back control of your inbox.