Steps to Take After a Suspicious Login Attempt

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, maintaining strong account security is not optional—it’s essential. With the increasing value and popularity of digital assets, crypto accounts are often targeted by hackers and fraudsters. If you’ve received a notification about a suspicious login attempt, it’s a serious red flag that should prompt immediate action.

This article outlines the necessary steps you should take after detecting a suspicious login attempt to protect your assets and reinforce your account’s defenses.

Table of Contents

1. Don’t Ignore the Alert

Many platforms will send alerts via email or push notifications if an unrecognized device or IP address attempts to access your account. The first and most important thing is to take the alert seriously.

Even if the login attempt didn’t succeed, it means someone tried to breach your security. That alone is reason enough to take preventative action.

2. Change Your Password Immediately

After a suspicious login alert, your first move should be to change your password immediately. Choose a strong, unique password that:

Includes upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
Isn’t used for any other account
Is at least 12 characters long

Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays, pet names, or favorite sports teams.

3. Enable or Update Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication is one of the best defenses against unauthorized access. If you haven’t enabled it yet, do so now. If it’s already active, consider updating your 2FA method or resetting the secret key.

Many crypto users rely on authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, which generate time-sensitive codes. Avoid SMS-based 2FA when possible, as it is more vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks.

In some cases, users with existing security setups still experience login issues. For instance, if your 2FA is malfunctioning or you’ve lost access to it, you may need assistance in resolving the issue. This is when you might need to search for guidance such as how to unlock crypto.com account, which involves identity verification and contacting the platform’s support.

4. Review Account Activity

Log into your account and review the recent login and transaction activity. Look for:

Unknown devices or IP addresses
Unauthorized transactions
Settings changes (email, 2FA method, etc.)

If anything seems off, take screenshots and document the evidence before reporting it to customer support.

5. Revoke Suspicious API Access or Device Authorizations

Some platforms allow users to link third-party apps or devices through API keys or OAuth tokens. After a suspicious login attempt, it’s wise to:

Revoke all existing API keys
Deauthorize all previously connected devices
Reconnect only those you recognize and trust

This ensures no backdoor remains open after the initial attempt.

6. Contact Platform Support

Once you’ve secured your account, report the incident to your crypto platform’s support team. This is crucial, especially if you suspect that someone had partial access or if changes were made to your settings.

For example, if you’re using Crypto.com, you may need to reach out via the crypto.com support number or their in-app chat for immediate help. Reporting the attempt helps their team monitor your account for further suspicious activity and may speed up the investigation process if anything is compromised.

7. Update Recovery Information

Make sure your recovery email and phone number are still accurate and secure. If an attacker had access to your account or tried to change these details, it could make future recovery difficult.

Also, change your email password if you suspect it was compromised. Many attackers try to gain control of your email to reset your crypto passwords.

8. Run Antivirus & Malware Checks

Sometimes suspicious login attempts stem from malware or keyloggers installed on your device. Run a complete scan with trusted antivirus software and remove any threats found. Updating your operating system and applications can also patch potential vulnerabilities.

9. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

If you were on a public or unsecured Wi-Fi connection when the suspicious login occurred, avoid using that network again for sensitive activities. Public networks can be breeding grounds for man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Use a VPN and a secure private connection for all crypto-related activities moving forward.

10. Stay Informed and Educated

Threats in the crypto space are constantly evolving. Stay up to date with best practices and threat advisories from your wallet or exchange provider. Join online communities, read trustworthy blogs, and learn from others’ experiences to stay ahead of malicious actors.

Conclusion

Suspicious login attempts are clear warnings that your crypto account security may be at risk. By acting swiftly—changing passwords, enabling 2FA, reviewing activity, and reaching out to support—you can secure your account and prevent future incidents.

Crypto security is an ongoing responsibility. Stay vigilant, use layered protection strategies, and always treat security alerts with urgency.