Question:

How can I prevent unauthorized access to my online accounts from foreign locations?

I have recently received notifications from Google and Epic Games that someone from Russia has attempted to log in to my accounts using my email address. I have changed my passwords and enabled two-factor authentication for both accounts, but I am worried that other accounts linked to the same email may be compromised as well. What are the best practices to secure my online identity and protect my personal data?

Answer:

If you have ever received a notification from one of your online accounts that someone from a different country has tried to log in using your credentials, you may have felt a surge of panic and confusion. How did they get your email address and password? What are they trying to do with your account? And most importantly, how can you stop them from accessing your personal information and data?

The first thing you should do is to change your password for the affected account as soon as possible. Make sure you use a strong and unique password that is not easy to guess or crack. A strong password should have at least 12 characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A unique password means that you do not use the same password for multiple accounts, as this can make you more vulnerable to hacking.

The next thing you should do is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for the affected account and any other accounts that support this feature. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring you to enter a code or use a device that only you have access to, such as your phone or a security key. This way, even if someone has your email and password, they will not be able to log in without the second factor.

However, changing your password and enabling 2FA may not be enough to protect your online identity and data. If someone has tried to access your account from a foreign location, it is possible that they have obtained your credentials from a data breach or a phishing attack. A data breach is when a hacker or a malicious actor breaks into a website or a database and steals the personal information of the users, such as their email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, etc. A phishing attack is when someone sends you an email or a message that looks legitimate, but is actually designed to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that contains malware or leads to a fake website that asks for your login details.

To prevent these scenarios from happening, you should follow these best practices to secure your online identity and data:

• Check if your email or password has been compromised by using a website like [Have I Been Pwned](https://haveibeenpwned.com/), which allows you to enter your email address and see if it has been involved in any data breaches. If it has, you should change your password for the affected account and any other account that uses the same password. You should also consider using a password manager like [LastPass](https://www.lastpass.com/) or [1Password](https://1password.com/), which can help you generate and store strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts.
• Be wary of phishing emails and messages that ask you to click on a link, open an attachment, or provide your personal or financial information. Do not trust the sender’s name or the subject line, as they can be easily spoofed. Instead, look for signs of fraud, such as spelling and grammar errors, mismatched URLs, or requests for urgent action. If you are not sure if an email or a message is legitimate, contact the sender directly using a different channel, such as a phone call or a text message, to verify their identity and the authenticity of the message.
• Use a VPN (virtual private network) when you are browsing the internet, especially on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your online traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder for hackers or third parties to intercept or track your online activity. A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted content or websites that are blocked in your country. There are many VPN services available, such as [NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com/), [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/), or [ProtonVPN](https://protonvpn.com/), that offer different features and prices. You should choose a VPN that suits your needs and budget, and that has a good reputation and reviews.

By

following these steps and tips, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your online accounts from foreign locations and enhance your online security and privacy. Remember, your online identity and data are valuable and should be protected with care and caution. Stay safe and vigilant online!