Unauthorized access attempts from Canada

Question

Hello,

Someone is trying to access my Microsoft account from Canada. I am located in Colombia, and I keep receiving notifications from Microsoft Authenticator asking me to approve sign-in attempts.

I have already changed my password, but they are still trying to access my account.

Additionally, when I check the recent activity history of my account, I do not see these access attempts listed. I only see the activity when I log in myself.

Please help me secure my account and prevent these unauthorized access attempts.

Thank you.

Answer 1

No one can prevent someone else from trying to access your account - you can only prevent them from succeeding, which you are doing.

You can always disable MFA in your Microsoft account. That will prevent the constant MFA requests, but it also makes your security much weaker.

A much better idea is to replace your password with a passkey. Anyone else trying access your account will get nowhere, so you won't get bothered.

Answer 2

To secure your Microsoft account and prevent unauthorized access attempts, follow these steps:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you haven't already, ensure that 2FA is enabled on your account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when signing in.
2. Review Security Information: Go to your Microsoft Account Security settings and review your security information. Ensure that your recovery email and phone numbers are up to date and remove any unfamiliar information.
3. Check for Suspicious Activity: Although you mentioned that you do not see unauthorized access attempts in your recent activity, continue to monitor your account for any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately.
4. Sign Out of All Devices: Use the option to sign out of all devices to ensure that any unauthorized sessions are terminated. This can help prevent further access attempts.
5. Run Antivirus Scans: Ensure that your devices are secure by running antivirus scans to check for malware or other security threats that could compromise your account.
6. Contact Microsoft Support: If the unauthorized access attempts continue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They can provide additional guidance and help secure your account.

By taking these steps, you can enhance the security of your account and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

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References:

• Unauthorized access attempts from Canada
• Account Recovery Form ignored
• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled
• Investigate suspicious user activity
• Protect user accounts from attacks with Microsoft Entra smart lockout