Email and calendar hack

Question

My outlook email has been compromised and taken over by someone overseas and is now in a different language

Answer 1

This is a common sign that the Outlook.com account was compromised. Take these steps in order:

1. Scan the device for malware before changing anything If using Windows 8.1 or Windows 10/11, run a full scan with Windows Defender first. This helps prevent the attacker from capturing the new password.
2. Change or reset the Microsoft account password After the malware scan, sign in and change the password. If sign-in no longer works, use the password reset flow.
3. Change the Outlook language back In Outlook on the web:
   • Select Settings (gear icon) in the top-right.
   • Select General.
   • Select Language and time.
   • Under Language (Country/Region), choose the preferred language.
   • Select Save.
4. Check for account changes the attacker may have made Review these settings and remove anything unfamiliar:
   • Connected accounts
   • Forwarding
   • Automatic replies
   • Mail rules or suspicious forwarding/redirect behavior
5. Review recent sign-in activity Check the recent activity page to see when and where the account was accessed, including successful sign-ins and security challenges.
6. Add or verify recovery information Make sure alternate email address and mobile phone security info are correct so the account can be recovered again if needed.
7. If the account is blocked or still inaccessible Use the Sign-in Helper. If unblocking by security code or password change does not work, use the Microsoft account sign-in recovery path.

Also be cautious with suspicious messages in the mailbox. Outlook can show warning signs such as an unverified sender marked with a ? or a via tag when the actual sender differs from the From address.

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References:

• How to recover a hacked or compromised Microsoft account
• Help protect your Outlook.com email account
• Unblock my Outlook.com account
• Email hacked and language changed to Russian - Microsoft Q&A My online outlook account has been changed to Russian and I can't fix it
• Phishing and suspicious behavior in Outlook