Being hacked can be a scary and frustrating experience. Your personal information, finances, and identity may be at risk if someone gains unauthorized access to your devices or online accounts. Thankfully, there are usually signs that can tip you off if your data has been compromised. Being aware of the top signs of a hack can help you catch a breach early and take steps to secure your accounts. Here we will explore two of the most common signs that you may have been hacked.
1. You notice unusual activity in your accounts
One of the first signs your account or device has been hacked is if you notice unusual activity that you didn’t authorize. For example:
- Transactions you didn’t make showing up on your bank or credit card statements
- Social media posts you didn’t create appearing on your accounts
- New contacts you don’t recognize added to your address book
- Unfamiliar email threads in your inbox
Here is an example of what unauthorized social media posts may look like if your account gets hacked:
| Time | Platform | Post |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM | “Excited to try this new herbal supplement, click here for a great deal!” | |
| 2:45 PM | “Everyone should check out this amazing money making opportunity!” |
If you notice questionable content like this that you definitely didn’t post yourself, it’s a strong indicator your accounts have been accessed illegally. Make sure to change your passwords immediately if you spot unauthorized activity.
Watch for activity from unfamiliar locations
Many online accounts and devices track and log the locations that you login or access them from. If you notice activity from places you don’t recognize, that’s a red flag. For instance:
- Email notifications that your social media account was accessed from a different city or country
- Login alerts from your bank for devices you don’t own
- Messages in unfamiliar languages
Here is an example of suspicious location activity that may indicate a hack:
| Date | Account | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 5 | Gmail | Seoul, South Korea |
| October 7 | Moscow, Russia | |
| October 9 | Online Banking | Lagos, Nigeria |
If your accounts show access from places you haven’t visited, it likely means someone else is logging in. Take action to lock down your accounts and reset your passwords.
2. Your devices and accounts exhibit unusual behavior
In addition to suspicious account activity, your hacked devices themselves may start behaving erratically. Here are some examples of atypical device behavior:
Apps opening on their own
Does it seem like programs are launching randomly without you clicking on them? This could happen with apps, your camera, or voice assistants. Unexpected activity like this suggests your device has been compromised by malware that is running in the background.
Pop-ups for unfamiliar downloads
Malware may try to install or download additional harmful programs without your consent. Keep an eye out for pop-up windows prompting you to download software you don’t recognize, as that indicates your system has already been infected.
New unfamiliar toolbars and browser add-ons
Hackers can install browser extensions or toolbars that monitor your online activity. Watch for unfamiliar add-ons that mysteriously show up in your web browser. These unwanted additions are a sign of tampering.
Problems connecting to websites and networks
A compromised device may struggle to access the internet reliably. You may find certain websites failing to load or trouble staying connected to trusted Wi-Fi networks. Connection issues like this could stem from malware disrupting your traffic.
Sluggish performance
If your computer, phone, or tablet seems unusually slow, it may be because malicious software is running covertly in the background. The added strain on your device’s resources can cause noticeable lag.
Overheating
Just like added sluggishness, a hacked device working harder to support malware activity may run hotter than normal. If your smartphone or computer feels hot when you aren’t using resource-heavy apps, it’s concerning.
Shortened battery life
Does your battery seem to drain faster these days for no clear reason? The extra workload malware places on your device can mean it uses up more power. Faster than normal battery drain is a potential warning sign.
Here are some examples of the device issues you may experience if malware or a hacker has gotten access:
| Device Type | Unusual Behavior |
|---|---|
| Android phone | – Apps launching randomly – Shortened battery life – Overheating |
| iPhone | – Pop-up for unknown download – Sluggish performance – Problems connecting to Wi-Fi |
| Windows laptop | – New unfamiliar browser extensions – Difficulty accessing websites – Frequent crashes or freezes |
Devices acting up in ways like this often means malware has compromised your system. Take prompt steps to scan for infections if you notice these problems.
Conclusion
Catching a hack or malware infection early allows you to limit the damage. Be on the lookout for any unauthorized account activity, posts you didn’t create, logins from unfamiliar locations, and device performance issues. If you spot any of these warning signs, secure your accounts immediately and run antivirus scans. Keeping an eye out for the top signs you’ve been hacked helps you react quickly and protect your data.