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multiple attempts made by hackers or bots to access my outlook account

Gordon Anderson 5 Reputation points
2026-01-21T20:25:01.7666667+00:00

I receive multiple notifications each day that someone has attempted to log into outlook

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Estrella721 39,390 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-21T20:59:47.8166667+00:00

    Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this issue. Login attempts typically occur when your email address has been leaked on the dark web. As long as these attempts are unsuccessful, your account remains safe. To prevent this, create a new alias for your account and set it as the primary. Then, configure your account settings to require sign-in only with this new identifier.

    1. Log in to your Outlook email account: Outlook.com or https://account.live.com
    2. Under your profile photo, click on "My Microsoft account."
    3. On the new page, click "Your info" and locate the "Account info" section.
    4. Click "Sign-in preferences" and, under "Account aliases," add a new email address or phone number that is not publicly known.
    5. Ensure it’s a valid and accessible contact.
    6. After adding, select "Make primary" to set this new email or phone number as your primary sign-in.
    7. Scroll to "Change sign-in preferences," uncheck your current Outlook email address, and check the box for your new login method.

    Important: DO NOT delete the current/old email address

    This will keep your email account active for sending and receiving messages while preventing login attempts.

    As an additional security measure, please see “How to help keep your Microsoft account secure.”: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/how-to-help-keep-your-microsoft-account-secure-628538c2-7006-33bb-5ef4-c917657362b9

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-21T20:25:07.91+00:00

    Receiving multiple notifications about failed login attempts to your Outlook account can indicate that someone is trying to gain unauthorized access. This could be due to malicious actors attempting to breach your account using methods like brute force attacks or password spraying. Here are some steps you can take to secure your account:

    1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
    2. Change Your Password: Ensure your password is strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessable information.
    3. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account for any suspicious activity or changes.
    4. Use Account Recovery Options: If you suspect your account is compromised, use the recovery options provided by Microsoft to regain access.
    5. Report Suspicious Activity: If the attempts continue, consider reporting them to Microsoft for further investigation.

    By taking these actions, you can help protect your Outlook account from unauthorized access.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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