How can I tell if my email account is no longer secure?

Last updated: 24 April 2026

Strange messages in your Sent folder? Repeated login errors? Your BT Email account might have been compromised.

If we detect suspicious activity, we’ll block access immediately. You’ll see an error message in webmail or the BT Email app. If you use an email app like Outlook, you’ll notice repeated login failures.

What happens when your account is protected

When we block access, it’s to keep your account safe. Here’s what to do next:

Run an antivirus scan on all devices you use for email. All BT broadband customers have BT Virus Protect included as standard in their plans. It includes real-time protection against ransomware, viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats, keeping your devices safe. Simply open your My BT App, head to Your security, and turn it on.
Download the BT Virus Protect app and follow the on-screen steps to install protection on your devices.
Change your password at bt.com: Log in, then select the Email link on the top bar. If you don’t have a BT ID, create one when prompted. Choose a strong password and update it on all devices.
Follow the security checks below to make sure your account is fully secure.

Recommended security checks

1. Check your contacts	Hackers sometimes delete or add contacts to hide their activity. Log in to My BT. Go to Contacts and delete any you don’t recognise. Check the Trash folder for deleted contacts and restore any you need.
2. Check for unknown email addresses linked to your account	Hackers create extra addresses to reset your password. Log in to My BT. Go to Your Products > Manage under Email. Delete any addresses you don’t recognise.
3. Check mailbox rules	Hackers use rules to forward or hide emails. Log in to My BT. Go to Settings > Mail > Rules. Re-enable the rules you want, delete any you don’t recognise (bogus rules may appear as a single dot). Save changes.
4. Check auto-reply settings	Hackers set auto-replies to trick your contacts. Log in to My BT. Go to Settings > Mail > Auto reply. Delete any you don’t recognise. Save changes.
5. Check auto-forwarding	Hackers create forwarding rules to steal password reset emails. Log in to My BT. Go to Settings > Mail > Auto forward. Delete any you don’t recognise. Save changes.
6. Check alternative contact email addresses	Hackers add addresses to regain access later. Log in to My BT. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts. Delete any addresses you don’t recognise. Save changes.
7. Check your personal security details	Hackers change security questions to lock you out. Log in to My BT. Go to My BT > Personal details. Update your details and change your security question and answer.

How to keep your BT Email account secure

Install BT Virus Protect, Web Threat Protect and Hub Threat Protect.
Run antivirus checks regularly.
Never reply to emails asking for personal details. They're likely phishing attempts.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for email.
Always sign out on shared computers.
Use different passwords for different sites.
Create strong passwords that are hard to guess.

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