Signs of a Virus: Emails in Your Sent Folder That You Didn’t Send

Finding unauthorised emails in the sent folder indicates a likely email account compromise through malware infection. Common culprits include trojans, spyware, and keyloggers that capture login credentials to gain unauthorised access. These malicious programs often spread through infected attachments or fraudulent links in emails. Immediate action steps include changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and scanning for malware. Understanding the full scope of email security threats helps prevent future compromises.

Common Warning Signs of Email Compromise

With the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats, email users must remain vigilant for signs of account compromise and potential virus infections.

Several warning signs indicate potential email phishing attacks or security breaches. Business Email Compromise scams often target employees with authority to make payments or handle sensitive data. Users should monitor their sent folders for unauthorised messages, check account settings for unexpected changes, and watch for unfamiliar contacts in their address books. Missing emails and deleted items are critical indicators that should prompt immediate investigation. Unauthorized access often leads to suspicious logins from unfamiliar locations or devices.

Regularly scan sent folders, account settings, and contact lists to detect unauthorized access and potential security compromises in your email.

Furthermore, account security may be compromised if there are missing emails, unusual login notifications from strange locations, or unauthorised forwarding rules.

Multiple failed login attempts and security alerts from email providers likewise warrant immediate attention and investigation.

How Malware Takes Control of Your Email

Malicious software employs multiple sophisticated techniques to gain control over email accounts and compromise user security.

Various types of malware, including trojans, spyware, and keyloggers, infiltrate systems through deceptive infection methods such as malicious email attachments and fraudulent links.

Once activated, these programs can silently monitor user activity, capture login credentials, and grant hackers unauthorised access to email accounts.

These malicious programs actively work to download more malware after establishing initial access to the system.

Users often discover their accounts are compromised when they find spam messages sent to their contacts without their knowledge.

Advanced AI-powered malware can utilize polymorphic code to evade traditional detection methods.

Rootkits help conceal the malware's presence, while worms automatically propagate by sending infected messages to contacts.

This systematic approach allows cybercriminals to maintain persistent control over compromised email accounts.

Regular monitoring of email traffic patterns and setting up alerts for suspicious login attempts helps detect unusual activity early.

Antivirus software with regular updates provides essential protection against email-based threats.

Essential Steps to Protect Your Email Account

Protecting email accounts demands a thorough security approach to counter the sophisticated malware threats that target users.

With over 50% of attacks starting through email channels, implementing multi-factor authentication and robust password management systems serves as the foundation of email security. Organisations should deploy advanced security tools, including email gateways and authentication protocols like DMARC and DKIM. Signature-based detection helps identify known malware variants before they can infiltrate systems.

Regular monitoring of account activity helps detect potential compromises early, whereas maintaining current security software addresses emerging vulnerabilities.

Users must additionally follow secure email practices, such as avoiding business email for personal use and staying educated about phishing techniques and cybersecurity best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Email Be Hacked Even With Two-Factor Authentication Enabled?

Despite two-factor authentication offering enhanced email security, accounts can still be susceptible to advanced hacking methods, such as social engineering, man-in-the-middle attacks, password reset exploits, and implementation flaws.

How Long Can Hackers Keep Control of a Compromised Email Account?

Hackers can maintain access to compromised accounts indefinitely until they are detected and secured. The length of time they can remain in control depends on the security measures in place, while recovering the account requires immediate password changes and security resets.

Will My Contacts Be Notified if Their Emails Were Accessed?

Email notifications regarding unauthorised access are not automatically sent to contacts. Most email systems do not inform contacts when their messages are accessed, leaving the protection of contact privacy reliant on manual monitoring.

Can Deleted Malicious Emails Still Pose a Threat Later?

Deleted malicious emails can still pose a threat if malware was already downloaded or executed. Malware persistence mechanisms can enable threats to persist in the system even after the original emails have been removed.

Does Changing My Password Remove Malware From My Computer Automatically?

Changing passwords alone does not remove malware from computers. Password security is separate from malware removal, which requires specific steps like running antivirus software and removing suspicious programs.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to protecting your email from potential viruses, like those pesky unauthorized sent messages, Geeks Computer Repair Services is here to help! With over 1500 five-star reviews across multiple platforms, you can trust us to keep your email secure. Our Director, Robert Krajnyk, has been featured on Channel 9, and as a Microsoft Certified Professional with prior experience as the youngest employee at IBM Australia—the company that invented the IBM compatible PC—you're in expert hands.

Since our establishment in 2001, we've been dedicated to providing top-notch service. If you've noticed signs of a virus in your email, don't hesitate! 📞 Call us at 0410 659 349 or 📱 text us if you're experiencing issues with viruses or spyware. We prioritise these jobs ASAP!

You can also reach out via email at [email protected]. Let us help you safeguard your email accounts and stay protected from malicious attacks! 🛡️