Nine Subtle Signs That Your Accounts or Devices Have Been Hacked.
Attackers seeking to access your personal information or secretly tracking you may initially try to remain unnoticed by reading messages, harvesting data, or waiting for a favorable deal. This means the first signs of an account or device compromise, such as warning signs of identity theft , may be subtle and easily ignored. But they can quickly escalate into a much more serious problem, and you should act quickly to prevent serious consequences.
An unexpected password change or request for two-factor authentication is a reason to pay attention.
If you receive password reset requests or SMS messages or emails with two-factor authentication (2FA) codes that you didn’t initiate, someone is almost certainly trying to access your accounts. In the case of 2FA notifications, they may already have your primary credentials. Hackers will attempt to bypass 2FA using tactics such as “notification bombing,” which involves sending dozens of notifications to your device in a short period of time, and spoofing your phone number. Keep in mind that while 2FA adds a layer of security, SMS messages and emails containing codes can easily be stolen by phishing scams. Therefore, you should change your password and, if possible, switch to a more secure multi-factor authentication (MFA) method , such as biometric identification or a physical key.
Change your password if you see unrecognized login attempts.
Similarly, a notification about a login attempt when you’re not trying to access your account is cause for concern, and you should change your password and ensure your recovery methods are in order. Some platforms also allow you to see active sessions and where you’ve logged into your account. If you spot unfamiliar locations or devices, log out of all accounts and update your credentials. (Note that if you use a VPN, a legitimate session may appear suspicious.)
Pay attention to any unusual behavior of the device.
If your phone or computer suddenly starts acting up, it’s time to investigate to determine if it’s been hacked. Here are some warning signs:
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Rapid battery drain and/or device overheating when not in use.
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The screen lights up or stays on for no apparent reason.
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The camera or microphone lights come on unexpectedly.
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Processes on the device, such as shutting down, take longer than usual.
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Applications launch and/or freeze, or pop-ups appear without explanation.
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Unusual permission requests.
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Sharp increase in data consumption.
This strange behavior could be caused by malware, although it could also be the result of hardware or software issues unrelated to malicious intent. Check for system and app updates that might resolve the issue by fixing known bugs. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you should run a malware scan.
This unknown app on your device may be malware.
If you find an app on your device that you don’t think you downloaded, you should be suspicious, as it could be spyware or another type of malware that allows attackers to steal information or track your activity. These programs can even be hidden from the home screen or disguised as something more benign, so you should regularly check your device’s contents and review app permissions and settings. We also have guides on finding and removing malware from your Mac and PC .
An increase in spam calls or emails is another warning sign.
We all expect to receive spam calls, text messages, and phishing emails on a regular basis, but if their volume suddenly and sharply increases, scammers may be actively targeting you. This could indicate a data breach or other account compromise—attackers use leaked or stolen information to make their messages more convincing. Monitor data breach notifications, use dark web monitoring tools in your password manager, or check the website Have I Been Pwned .
Don’t ignore test charges on your credit cards.
If thieves gain access to your financial accounts, including debit or credit card information, they can test that your payment details work before making larger purchases and stealing your personal data entirely. Test charges —which can be as small as a few cents—are a warning sign, so don’t ignore any undetected transactions. Check your statements regularly, as test charges may not appear on your account and are easy to miss.
New emails or messages marked as read are a warning sign.
If you open your email or messaging app and see messages marked as read in your inbox and think, “Hmm, I don’t remember seeing that,” it could be because someone has accessed your account and viewed it on another device. There are other signs that your email or messaging accounts are being monitored or used for malicious purposes, such as messages from contacts claiming you’ve sent them suspicious content—phishing links, payment requests, or spam—or emails in your Sent or Scheduled folders that you don’t recognize. If you suspect your account has been hacked, change your password immediately.
If your account is blocked, this is a warning sign.
If you suddenly find your account blocked, it could be because hackers have already taken over or there have been too many unsuccessful login attempts. The same applies to a blocked social media account. This could be the result of a data breach or a successful phishing attack. In any case, you can report it to the platform and try to restore your account.
Seeing strange content in your streaming history? Someone else might have access to it.
If Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube’s algorithms suddenly start showing you content that’s completely out of sync with your usual viewing or listening habits, or if you notice something in your viewing history you definitely didn’t watch, someone may have accessed your account. While this may seem insignificant, it could indicate a much more serious issue if your data has been compromised. Change your password and, if possible, log out of all devices.