Lock the attacker out and warn your contacts

    Reclaim the account, kill sessions, and let everyone you know that they may be next.

    JDCS
    By Jordan Dickson · Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers

    Updated June 2026 · 1 min read

    Speed beats elegance. Get the attacker out, warn your network through a different channel, then start cleaning up.

    Warning your contacts the right way

      • Use a different channel — if email is compromised, call or text
      • Be specific: 'If you got X message from me on Y date, ignore it'
      • Tell them what NOT to do (click links, send money, share codes)

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    JD

    Written by

    Jordan Dickson

    Founder, CyberSecurityGuides

    Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.

    Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers

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