How To Tell If You've Been Hacked: 12 Warning Signs

“Have I Been Hacked?”

Strange device behavior, unexplained account lockouts, password reset request emails, and unauthorized financial transactions are all common signs indicating that you’ve been hacked.  

While hackers can trick you into downloading malicious software that gives them access to your computer, iPhone, or other devices, it’s more likely that your accounts were hacked through no fault of your own. 

In 2024 alone, cyberattacks and data breaches have exposed the sensitive personal information and passwords of nearly 1.25 billion victims [*].

It’s critical to be able to recognize the warning signs of a hack so you can react quickly and protect your accounts, finances, and identity.

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How To Tell If You’ve Been Hacked: 12 Warning Signs

Cybercriminals can hack your devices and accounts in many ways — via phishing emails and text messages to tech support scams, compromised public Wi-Fi networks, and credential-stuffing attacks. 

The signs of a hack ultimately vary depending on the type of attack, the hacker’s intent, and the security measures you have in place. These are the most common warning signs to look out for: 

1. You can’t access your online accounts (or they look different)

Any changes to your online accounts or your ability to access them are clear warning signs that you’ve been hacked. Specifically, you should watch for: 

• Sudden logouts from your social media, email, or online banking accounts
• Passwords that no longer work when you try to log in
• Unexpected emails or texts about login attempts, password resets, or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes
• Changes to your settings, back-up account details, or security questions

📚 Related: What To Do If You Were Hacked (How To Recover Hacked Accounts) → 

2. Suspicious or unusual activity in your email or messaging apps

Hackers who gain access to your accounts often use them to target your contacts and spread malware or scams. 

“White hat” hacker Ash Shatrieh warned users to watch out for new messages that don’t trigger corresponding notifications [*]: 

“This could be an indication that hackers have set up rules which can divert or hide emails from your inbox, suggesting that the hacker may be selectively releasing certain messages while concealing others.”

Keep an eye on your email and messaging activity for signs of a compromise, including: 

• Strange emails in your "Sent" folder that you don't remember sending
• A sudden increase in spam emails, especially those containing threats or extortion attempts
• Friends or family members telling you they've received odd messages from your email or social media accounts

📚 Related: How To Tell If Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked →

3. Notifications alerting you that your data was part of a data breach

In April 2024, a cybercriminal group known as USDoD posted a database entitled “National Public Data” on a Dark Web forum, which exposed nearly three billion records from 170 million victims [*]. 

If you receive a data breach alert from a service you use, take it seriously. While a notification doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve been hacked, it does mean you’re at a higher risk of being targeted. 

Look out for emails, alerts, or news about data breaches related to your accounts, update any leaked passwords, and actively monitor potentially compromised accounts. Many password managers (including the one included with every Aura plan) can also warn you if your passwords were part of a breach or are at risk of being compromised.

4. Strange device behavior or performance 

Malware and other viruses can seriously impact the performance of your devices — such as by causing them to run more slowly, heat up, or make strange noises. Pay attention to any sudden changes to how your devices are operating, including: 

• Devices that suddenly slow down, crash, overheat, or run low on battery more frequently 
• Unfamiliar browser plugins, add-ons, or toolbars
• Apps that open on their own, requiring you to keep closing or quitting them repeatedly

5. Unauthorized control of your device

Some types of malware (or even legitimate software such as AnyDesk) allow hackers to take control of your device remotely. If hackers breach your computer with a Remote Access Tool (RAT), they could infiltrate your personal files, access your emails, and even steal your money.

On Reddit, a user reported seeing activity on his computer when he awoke at 3:00 a.m. [*]. Watch for your cursor moving on its own when you're not touching the mouse or trackpad. Another red flag is if your webcam light turns on unexpectedly, even when you're not using it for video calls or recordings.

📚 Related: Do Hackers Have Remote Access To Your Computer? Do This! →

6. Missing money or unrecognized transfers

Hackers often target financial accounts, especially cryptocurrency accounts, due to the potential for anonymous, irreversible transactions. Unexplained financial transactions or changes to your credit reports indicate that you’ve been hacked or have had your identity stolen. 

Be on the lookout for: 

• Unfamiliar charges on your credit card or bank accounts
• Missing funds from your cryptocurrency wallet, or suspicious emails that appear to be from crypto platforms like Coinbase 
• Strange inquiries, accounts, or changes added to the personal information on your credit reports

7. Someone’s impersonating you online (especially with work contacts)

Hackers may use your stolen information or access to your accounts to scam your professional contacts or impersonate you online. 

In April 2024, a 58-year-old former hospital employee was charged with stealing another man’s identity. Matthew David Keirans used William Woods’ information for everything from bank accounts to car purchases for over 33 years. When the real William Woods tried to convince authorities he was the victim, the police didn’t believe him and sent Woods to a prison and then to a mental institution [*]. 

Be alert if business partners or potential clients mention strange interactions they've had with "you" on platforms you don't use. Also, watch for signs that someone is using your identity to apply for jobs, loans, or submit insurance claims in your name.

8. Ransomware attacks

Ransomware notices are among the more obvious signs that you’ve been hacked. Scammers use this aggressive form of malware to lock you out of your system and encrypt your files until you pay a ransom. 

While ransomware has typically been used to target valuable companies, hackers can also use it against mobile devices and individuals. 

An Android malware called BingoMod masks itself as trusted apps on Google Play — even going so far as to use the same icon as the free AVG AntiVirus & Security tool. If you download this program, it can take control of your device, before stealing login credentials, intercepting SMS messages, and taking screenshots [*]. 

Watch out for any app that requests permission to use Accessibility Services. If you see a pop-up claiming your data is encrypted and demanding a ransom, your device has likely been infected with ransomware.

9. Your antivirus or anti-malware software has been disabled

Sophisticated hackers may attempt to disable your security software to maintain access to your devices.

A woman asked for help on Reddit after her device was infected with a Trojan horse virus. The virus enabled the hacker to add 5,000 followers to the victim’s TikTok account and pay for ads through her Facebook account [*]. 

Malware, such as trojan horses, can evade antivirus programs. If you notice your antivirus software has been turned off without your knowledge, it could indicate a breach. Always ensure that your security software is up to date and running.

📚 Related: How To Remove Viruses From Your Computer (Mac and PC) →

10. Unexpected pop-ups and redirects 

Adware is a type of malware that triggers pop-ups, redirects you to scam websites, or changes your browser and app settings — such as by changing your default search engine or homepage. 

In July 2024, Dark Reading revealed that a program approved and signed by Microsoft was actually a dangerous form of adware [*]. Instead of removing ads from your device, HotPage opens the door to more ads and malware by intercepting traffic and manipulating content in web browsers.

You can spot adware when you see a sudden increase in pop-up ads, especially those claiming your device is infected. Also, take note if you're being redirected to unwanted websites or if you see new tabs open automatically behind your browser window.

11. Identity theft and fraud

Sometimes, the signs of hacking extend beyond your devices and into the real world. Hackers often sell stolen personal data on the Dark Web, which can cause you to become the victim of identity theft.

In some instances, the thief is a family member with easy access to all of your personal information — like the case of a Redditor whose dad took out a $25,000 loan in his name and defaulted on the payments [*]. 

Watch for unexplained credit inquiries, unfamiliar accounts opened in your name, or debt collectors contacting you about loans you didn't take out. 

📚 Related: 25 Warning Signs of Identity Theft You Need To Know →

12. Strange social media activity

Social media accounts are valuable targets for hackers looking to gather personal information or target vulnerable people with scams. 

Regularly review your social media activity for unfamiliar posts, messages,and friend requests sent from your account without your knowledge. You should also keep an eye on your list of trusted devices or logged-in devices — regard any unfamiliar additions that you see as red flags.

Do You Think You’ve Been Hacked? Do This Now!

If you’ve been hacked, speed matters. As soon as you see any warning signs, take action to secure your accounts and remove malware from your devices. 

1. Disconnect all devices from the internet. If your device has been hacked, it could infect others connected to the same network. When you see signs of a hack, turn off your internet connection to minimize damage. You can disable Wi-Fi on individual devices to make sure they don’t automatically reconnect.
2. Freeze your credit. If you believe your financial information is at risk, protect your accounts by placing a credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This will help prevent hackers from opening new accounts or taking our loans in your name.
3. Scan for malware, and delete unfamiliar apps. If hackers have tricked you into downloading malware or spyware, it could give them “backdoor access” to your accounts — even after you change your passwords. Use antivirus software to scan for hidden malware, or delete any unfamiliar or new app that could be infected.
4. Recover hacked accounts. Most platforms have specific steps for account recovery. Search online for: “how to recover a hacked [service name] account.” Follow the steps provided by the platform. Here’s how to recover access to hacked accounts with Google, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, or Dropbox.      
5. Update your passwords. Ensure that you’re using strong passwords for all of your accounts, especially those that were compromised. Create unique passwords that use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and store them in a secure password manager for easier access.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Adding an extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised. Enable 2FA on all of your important accounts, particularly email, banking, and social media. The best method to use is an authenticator app instead of SMS to receive more secure 2FA codes.
7. Warn your contacts that you've been hacked. Hackers often use compromised accounts to spread malware or scams. Alert your friends and family about the hack, and advise them not to open any suspicious messages, links, or attachments that they might receive from your accounts.
8. Check other accounts for suspicious activity. Hackers may have accessed multiple accounts. Review your account activity logs across all platforms for any unfamiliar logins or devices. Pay special attention to financial accounts, email, and social media. If you spot anything suspicious, secure those accounts immediately.
9. Update your operating system and apps. Ensure that all of your devices are running the latest versions of their operating systems and applications; otherwise, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Here’s how to update Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices.
10. Factory reset your device. Even after running antivirus software, you may still deal with deeply rooted malware. As a last resort, you can factory reset your device and reinstall your operating system to completely wipe persistent malware. Here’s how to do this on macOS and Windows.

How To Protect Yourself From Being Hacked

While you can be hacked by no fault of your own, there are still precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself against hackers. At a bare minimum, the less personal information that’s available about you online, the harder it will be for hackers to target you. 

Here are five ways to protect your privacy online and prevent yourself from being hacked:

• Use an email alias. When signing up for new accounts or filling out surveys or applications, you can use a secondary email account that routes to your primary inbox. This option protects your primary address — and avoids risking the security of any linked accounts and information.
• Enter fake information when signing up for online services. You should never enter false information for anything official, like your taxes or police reports. However, you can be more guarded with your sensitive data on retail sites, surveys, apps, and email newsletters. If any of these companies suffer a data breach, hackers won’t be able to target you as easily if your profile has an incorrect date of birth or old phone number.
• Tighten your privacy settings on social media. Ideally, only trusted friends and family should be able to view your profile. Without open visibility of your location tracking, photos, and content, hackers won’t be able to glean information from your profile to target you with phishing scams. 
• Remove your personal data from Google searches and data broker sites. Data brokers collect and sell your personal information, which can be exploited by hackers. Opt out of these services by contacting major data brokers directly or by using a data removal service. 
• Beware of shoulder surfing. Pay close attention to your surroundings when logging in to sensitive accounts or unlocking your phone — as hackers can watch you enter your phone’s PIN, online banking password, and even your credit card number. Whenever possible, use biometric authentication options such as Face ID or fingerprint sensors to secure your devices.

It’s much easier and safer to take a proactive approach to digital security by downloading a dedicated cybersecurity platform.

With Aura, you get advanced antivirus protection, a military-grade virtual private network (VPN), secure password manager, robust identity and credit monitoring, 24/7 U.S.-based support, and more. 

Keep your online life private (and safe) with Aura — plans start at $3/month.