My microsoft account was recently hacked but I managed to take it back and now I have a few questions...

Justin Ingratta 20 Reputation points
2026-07-04T02:30:25.7066667+00:00

Recently my microsoft account has been hacked. The hacker figured out the password to two of my gmails I use (one for gaming and one for work). Im not surprised that they got both since they share the same password. This all seemed to have started mid June and they slowly progressed to figuring out information and passwords and my account was stolen on one gmail on the 29th-30th of June. The other gmail was my work gmail and had more safety precautions than my gaming email so they were locked out of it. After this happened I added more security to both my gmails and changed the passwords on both of them to be different and more secure. This brings me to three questions. My first question is, the hackers seemed to of gone onto my minecraft account and changed my username and skin. This may be because they wanted to sell my minecraft account however I didnt have anything rare on it (realms, capes, my username isnt rare, etc) so I dont know why they would of wanted to sell it. Secondly, I have no clue how they could have figured out how to hack my accounts or why they wanted to. I have nothing of value on either of the accounts so there is no reason for me to be targeted by them. Additionally, I never give out any passwords or information on my devices. The hackers location was exposed to be from Vietnam so there is no way that it could have been somone I know who could have done it as I only talk to people who live in North America both when im doing work and gaming. Additionally, my computers and phones all have security protection on it and do not detect any malware on it whatsoever. There is only a few things I could possibly think could have led to the hacking. Firstly, I recently recieved a new phone midway through June which is when the hackings started but im sure that could just be a coincidence as this was my fathers old phone. Secondly, I downloaded the xbox app recently on my phone but I used the official xbox website and I downloaded it off the playstore rather than the website. I am stupid and occasionally click on phishing links on accident, however, to my knowledge, these links can only take things such as location, IP adress, etc, etc, but not passwords and emails. I never download anything suspicious or share passwords. There is no possible way the hackers could have taken my password through anything I have done however my father shares my work email with me so maybe he could have done something. The only possible explination is that my dad did something suspicious or there was a data leak (which i doubt either is true). My third and final question is that im wondering if I can change my minecraft username back to normal ASAP because I want my name back before it gets stolen (even though I know its not rare) and I also dont like the new name the hacker gave for me. I cant change my username currently because there are 30 day waiting periods before it is possible. If there is anything you can do to allow me to change my username back sooner that would be great. If you have any tips on how to avoid getting hacked in the future that would be great as well but I already do most of the tips (I use VPNs I have a firewall, I use 2FA, etc, etc.)

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy
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Answer accepted by question author
CCtheCompuGuy 160 Reputation points
2026-07-04T04:37:12.56+00:00

Also keep your OS and browsers updated. Check Windows update occasionally and make sure those autoupdates are actually completing. Check and get the little updates in your browsers to protect against zero day bugs and exploits that can let someone get just a bit more than just "location, IP adress, etc," that they use to get just one more thing that lets them exploit a vulnerability. In both Chrome and Edge.... Bottom left corner of settings window select "About google chrome/MS edge" Or can go right to the 3 dots on top right hand side... go to help... also an "About" Chrome/Edge link there that can trigger these little update checks.. they usually take less than a minute.

Oh and when it has that 'Relaunch to update" just don't let that linger there. If it is prompting for the relaunch... it is AT LEAST one update behind. Don't be surprised if after the relaunch if you go to the "About..." if it has another one waiting in the chamber ready to go thru.

User's image

Same in Edge... except is Help and feedback after you select the 3 dots top right. Quick handy tip to 100% reilably & quickly tell difference between Edge and Chrome at a glance. Chrome the dots are one on top of the other like a Snowman, Edge's 3 dots are always horizontal. Great way when Mom or GrandMa calls for help in a panic...to help figure out if they using Edge or Chrome.

Big topic ... and little time.... So...

Reusing passwords... BAD

Creating secure passkeys you use with a secure password manager(tied to the secure chipset built into your phone, WinHello Pin/Biometrics etc) so you rarely to never have to actually type in a UNIQUE password... BETTER

All of this in combination with good internet hygiene and device best practices... BEST

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