Have I Been Hacked? 7 Warning Signs and What to Do
How to Know If You Have Been Hacked
Most people don't realize they've been hacked until it's too late. Here are the warning signs to watch for and what to do if you spot them.
1. Password No Longer Works
If you suddenly can't log into an account with your correct password, someone may have changed it. This is often the first sign. Don't assume you forgot it — try a password reset immediately.
2. Unfamiliar Activity
Check your email sent folder, social media posts, and bank transactions. If you see messages you didn't send, posts you didn't make, or purchases you didn't authorize, your account has been compromised.
3. Security Alert Emails
If you receive emails about logins from unfamiliar locations or devices, take them seriously. Check the sender address carefully — some phishing emails mimic security alerts. When in doubt, go directly to the service's website.
4. Friends Report Strange Messages
Hackers often use compromised accounts to send malicious links to your contacts. If friends tell you they received weird messages from your account, act immediately.
5. Your Email Appears in a Data Breach
Use our Email Breach Checker to see if your email has been exposed in known data breaches. If it has, every account using that email and password combination is at risk.
6. Unexpected Software or Browser Extensions
New programs, browser extensions, or toolbars you didn't install could indicate malware. Check your installed programs and browser extensions regularly.
7. Your Device Is Unusually Slow
Malware running in the background consumes resources. If your device is suddenly slow, overheating, or draining battery faster than normal, it could be compromised.