Dealing with Email Hacking by Ex-Colleague: Legal Action and Data Security Measures

Hi all,

There is a strange situation where my email account has been hacked, and an email has been sent to all known and unknown IDs with an attachment of my picture. I had a suspicion about a former colleague, which he confirmed when I mentioned that I was filing a complaint with the police. Despite this, I proceeded with the complaint.

The crux of the story is that he hacked my account, sent an email to everyone, and has now returned my ID and password. In order to teach him a lesson, what appropriate action should I take? I don't want him to get away with it easily.

Regards,
Pavadia

You have already called the police, so are they not taking any action? Make sure you have all the evidence in place to prove charges against him. Most importantly, create a new password for the hacked account. Think calmly about what important information could be leaked by his actions. And remember, what goes around comes back. Enjoy the day ahead.

Regards,
Nishchal Attri

Hi Pavida,

Change the password in the first place. Check the IP number from where he hacked your account. If you are able to track this and connect the ex-colleague from this IP number, then you have a strong case. Sue him for mental harassment (check with a lawyer, this is a criminal offense) and put him behind bars. This is not the way for a person to abuse his ex-colleague.

From your post, it seems you are a female (apologize if I hurt you). It's high time such persons are restrained and punished.

Dear all,

Thank you all for your contributions and time. However, as I am working six days a week, I don't have enough time for the police and lawyers. Moreover, lawyers charge you so high, and the police have not responded until now; it might be that for them, it's a small case. It has already been a week since I filed my complaint. What else can be done to give him emotional attyachar?

Of course, Ramesh, I am not hurt as you never said anything wrong. Thanks once again. :-)

Hi Pavadia,

This is a criminal offense, not like civil cases. We don't know the damages or repercussions or the ill effects this person may have caused. The company may also take this into consideration that you are careless/laid-back in securing your data (password and stuff), and if you are climbing the ladder, a smart competitor may use this against you. The earlier the problem is sorted out, the better.

However, if you are quite sure that this guy has done it, have a one-to-one chat (preferably recorded), asking why he/she has done it. This is a cybercrime case, and if you can nail this person with your company's help, then this should be done at the earliest.

Hi Pavadia,

This is cybercrime and needs legal action. Of course, any legal action will cost you. Knowing all these things only, these guys do such acts. An ordinary citizen has to face all such things. Learn from this experience and do not share any of your personal IDs. Of course, in an IT developed environment, it is very difficult to control. Even higher-ups are facing these types of problems.