Getting a “suspicious login detected” alert can be unsettling. Even if nothing looks broken, it’s not something you should ignore. These alerts are often the earliest warning signs of an attempted breach—and what you do next can make all the difference.
The goal isn’t panic. It’s verification.
Here are six smart things to check immediately after a suspicious login alert, before a small issue turns into a serious one.
1. Where the Login Came From
Start with the basics: location.
Was the login attempt from:
A country you don’t operate in?
A city no one on your team works from?
An unfamiliar IP address?
If the location doesn’t line up with normal behavior, treat it as a red flag.
2. Whether the Login Actually Succeeded
Not all alerts mean someone got in.
Check:
Was the login blocked?
Did multi-factor authentication stop it?
Were there multiple failed attempts?
A blocked attempt is good news—but repeated failures suggest someone is actively trying.
3. Which Account Was Targeted
Some accounts are more valuable than others.
Pay close attention if the alert involves:
Admin or IT accounts
Finance or payroll users
Executives or leadership
These are the accounts attackers usually go after first.
4. Any Recent Password or Settings Changes
Look for activity after the alert:
Password resets
New forwarding rules in email
MFA disabled or changed
New devices added
Attackers often try to quietly change settings to keep access later.
5. Other Systems Showing Similar Alerts
One alert is concerning. Multiple alerts across different systems is urgent.
Check:
Email login logs
VPN access logs
Cloud app sign-ins
Endpoint security alerts
Patterns matter more than single events.
6. Whether the User Recognizes the Activity
Before assuming the worst, ask the user directly:
Were they traveling?
Did they use a new device?
Did they log in outside normal hours?
Legitimate explanations do happen—but they should be confirmed, not assumed.
What to Do Next
If anything looks off:
Force a password reset
Review MFA settings
Scan the device used
Escalate to your IT or security team immediately
Final Thought
Suspicious login alerts are like smoke alarms. Most of the time, nothing’s burning—but the one time it is, you’ll be glad you checked early.
At ETTE, we help businesses investigate alerts quickly and calmly—before attackers have time to dig in.