All of this can happen if they send an email on your behalf; avoid it

Once they make the mistake of opening that email, they could click on a fake link, download a malicious file, etc. That is going to be a major problem, since they could be part of a chain and affect even more people.

Get into trouble

Logically, they could also put you in more personal problems. After all, they are going to send emails on your behalf. They could respond to emails you have received, use your calendar to write anything without your consent, etc. They could even get you into legal trouble by using your address.

This is similar to what could happen if they use a social network without your consent, such as Facebook or Instagram. They will have access to your contact list and that will cause your privacy to be compromised.

Obtain confidential information

Yes, they could also get confidential information. Various techniques could be used here. One of them is to read emails you have received. For example, they could see emails that your company has sent you, if it is a work address, as well as from friends, family or any platform where you are registered.

Additionally, they could obtain that confidential information by impersonating you. They could, for example, send an email to your company to ask for something specific. The company, a co-worker who receives that email, could trust it and send what you are supposedly requesting. That could end up in the wrong hands.

Manage your subscriptions

Through email, they could manage subscriptions that you have. For example, unsubscribe from platforms like Netflix, sign up for others, change some settings if they manage to access the account of these services, etc. They will have greater control, so it could be an added problem.

We are not only talking about subscriptions like this, but also about any registration you have on the Internet. This can affect the workplace, studies, etc. They will have a wide range of options.

How to prevent them from using your email

But what can you do to prevent them from using your email on your behalf? Something essential is to use a good password. You will prevent account access by simple guessing, as well as reduce the risk of brute force attacks. Changing the password from time to time is also something you should look at.

Also, always check where are you going to log in. It is not good to put your data anywhere, such as an unprotected device, a Wi-Fi network that is not secure, etc. Always enter from official sites and thus avoid risks that could expose the security of your email account.

Besides, protect the device It will also be a fundamental factor. Always use a good antivirus, as this will help you detect threats in the form of malware. You should also always have the system updated, something that will help you correct any possible vulnerabilities that may exist.

As you can see, it is a problem that they use your email without your consent. It is essential that you take measures to protect yourself and not allow an attacker to also put third parties around you at risk.