12 Warning Signs You Hvae Been Hacked

In 2024 alone, cyberattacks and data breaches have exposed the sensitive personal information and passwords of nearly 1.25 billion victims. (.idtheftcenter.org) 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.

Here are some signs to know if your account has been hacked

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, backup account details, or security questions

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.

3. Notifications alerting you that your data is 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 [*].

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:

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 files, access your emails, and even steal your money.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.