If you assume no one cares about your personal email, consider this: your personal email can provide a wealth of information to cyber criminals. Think of all the information that is included in your saved emails – receipts, password resets, links to bank statements and so much more. Not to mention, access to your address book.

Many people also use their email address as the login for financial accounts, online retailers and payment processors. If someone has your email and attempts to log into one of your accounts, they only need to click the "forgot password" and the password reset will go to your email, which has been taken over by the cybercriminal. Once the person updates your password, you are locked out and they are logged in.

You might have been hacked if:

• Your email contacts are getting emails or messages you didn't send.
• Your sent messages folder has messages you didn't send, or it has been emptied.
• Your social media accounts have posts you didn't make.
• You can't log into websites you frequently visit such as your online banking or your social media account.

Cyberattackers can also "spoof," or fake your email, but don't actually have access to your account. But you'll want to take action, just in case.

If you have been hacked:

• Update your desktop and mobile operating systems, delete any malware and make sure your security software is up-to-date.
• Change your passwords on all of your online accounts.
• Check the advice your email provider or social networking site has about restoring your account if you have lost access.
• Tell your email contacts about the hack so they don't become victims too.
• Consider closing your email account and setting up a new one.

Steps to prevent hacking:

• Use unique passwords for important sites, like your bank and email. This can be an overwhelming task, but you can use a Password Manager that provides a centralized and encrypted location that will keep a record of all these passwords safe. Password managers store login details for all the websites that you use and logs you in automatically each time you return to a site. When using a password manager you create a master password. The master password will control access to your entire password database. This password is the only one you will have to remember so it's important to make this as strong and secure as possible.
• Use two-factor authentication whenever it is available. This provides a second layer of authentication such as a text or call to verify your identity.
• NEVER click on links or open attachments in emails unless you know who sent them and what they are.
• Download free software only from sites you know and trust.
• Don't use public computers or Wi-Fi to access your most sensitive online accounts, especially accounts that have your financial information.
• If you think a cybercriminal has gained access to your information – like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number – go to IdentityTheft.gov to see the specific steps to take.

Source: Consumer.ftc.gov