HOTMAIL Email supecious activity

Question

dear team i need help

i had updated my security infor my other email address as the one i submit when make my email account has been closed by closed by yahoo due to no activity since long.

now today i received email from microsoft for suspecious activity other than my country .....its alarming for me..........when i try to get info in my privicy tab it tells you cantt access this site now ..

Quote ""This site requires a security code to sign in. When your security info updates on 3/18/2026 you will be able to access this site. You can still access sites such as Outlook and Skype that don't require a security code. On 2/16/2026 you requested that your security info be replaced."" UnQuote

kindly help and safe my email from suspecious activity provide me step by step guide to secure my email.

[Personal info removed]

Answer 1

Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data

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Hello tahir khursheed, 

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A! I completely understand why receiving a suspicious activity alert right after updating your security information is incredibly alarming. Please don't panic; I am here to explain exactly what is happening with your account and how you can keep your email safe during this time. 

1. Why You Are Seeing the Security Code Error 

The message you quoted about having to wait until 3/18/2026 is actually a built-in Microsoft security feature protecting your account right now. 

Because your old Yahoo email was closed and you requested to replace all of your security information on 2/16/2026, Microsoft automatically places a 30-day restriction on sensitive areas of your account (like your Privacy tab, password reset options, and billing details). This is designed specifically to prevent a hacker from breaking in and instantly locking you out before you realize what happened. 

While this 30-day wait is frustrating when you legitimately want to check your privacy settings, it means your core account security is currently locked down and cannot be tampered with by anyone else either. 

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Your Account Right Now 

Even though you cannot access the advanced security settings until March 18, there are still important steps you can take to protect yourself today: 

• Continue using your email normally: As the message mentioned, you can still safely access Outlook and Skype. Your daily emails are not blocked. 
• Beware of Phishing: The "suspicious activity" email you received might be a fake message (phishing) designed by scammers to panic you into clicking a link and typing in your current password. Do not click any links in that email. 
• Check your Outlook Rules: Since you can access your inbox, check your settings to ensure no one has set up rules to forward or delete your emails. (Click the Gear icon > Mail > Rules, and also check Mail > Forwarding). 
• Scan your devices: Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan on your computer and phone to ensure your devices are clean and no malicious software is capturing your keystrokes. 
• Mark your calendar for March 18: On this date, the 30-day restriction will lift. Your new security information will become active, and you will be able to access the Privacy tab to review your actual sign-in activity, change your password, and set up Two-Step Verification. 

Your account is in a locked-down protective state right now, so the best thing you can do is maintain good security habits on your devices until the 30 days have passed. 

Warm regards,

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Answer 2

To secure your Hotmail email account from suspicious activity, follow these steps:

1. Check Account Activity: Log into your account and review the recent activity. Look for any unfamiliar logins or changes to your account settings.
2. Change Your Password: Immediately change your password to a strong, unique one that you haven't used before. Ensure it includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you haven't already, enable 2FA for added security. This will require a second form of verification when logging in.
4. Update Security Information: Make sure your security information is up to date. This includes your recovery email and phone number. Since your Yahoo email is closed, consider adding a different recovery email if possible.
5. Review Security Settings: Go to your account's security settings and check for any suspicious rules or forwarding addresses that may have been added without your consent.
6. Run Antivirus Scans: Run a full antivirus scan on your devices to ensure they are not compromised.
7. Monitor for Further Issues: Keep an eye on your account for any further suspicious activity and inform your contacts about the potential compromise.
8. Contact Microsoft Support: If you continue to face issues or cannot access your account, contact Microsoft Support for assistance. They can help you with account recovery and security concerns.

By following these steps, you can help secure your email account and mitigate any risks associated with suspicious activity.

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References:

• My personal hotmail account hacked by hacker with authentication app enabled. - Microsoft Q&A
• Troubleshoot sign-in issues and account access problems