<p>My 'important' email was hacked early this morning. Though I only had 6 contacts, it appears that spam was sent out to every email address I have ever corresponded with. (I thought keeping people off the contact list would spare them).</p>
<p>The list of emailed entities include the addresses applicants are supposed to use to update their apps. I am getting confirmation emails that these went through. However, many of the schools require certain numbers and information be sent along with the updates.</p>
<p>What course of action do you recommend? Should I email and apologize? Will the schools brush off this spam and not appreciate my useless apology? Should I do nothing? Is there some other course of action I am blind to?</p>
<p>First, you need to get your email back through your service provider so you can change your password (unless you can already do so). Second, the colleges will recognize it for what it is (they have undoubtedly seen it before since being hacked seems to be something that is becoming a common experience rather than the exception), but it is still a good idea to send a new email to each explaining that you were hacked, apologizing for any spam, and informing them that the issue has been rectified.</p>
<p>I think it’s ok to tell your contacts that you are NOT stuck in Uzbekestan with no money and to please disregard the eratic emails because you were hacked.</p>
<p>This has happened to me several times. I finally figured out that it occurred after I used free wireless access at airports! I’m not going to use public wireless anymore unless it requires a password. It’s too easy for people to get into your accounts.</p>
<p>I think people are more used to this kind of spam now and don’t pay much attention to it. I get it from acquaintances periodically.</p>