What to do if you think you’ve been hacked

This article was last updated on February 24, 2025.

Experiencing a data breach can feel like a personal violation. Suddenly, you can't access your Facebook, Gmail, or iCloud accounts because your password no longer works. This unsettling situation can be both frustrating and alarming. Fortunately, you can proactively address this issue. If you're locked out, major online services offer recovery options to regain access and minimize potential damage.

How can you determine if your account has been compromised? Inability to log in is a significant indicator, but don't jump to conclusions immediately. First, verify the problem: Try accessing your account from a different device. Also, double-check your password for typos before assuming a breach.

Suspicious activity alerts via email are another red flag. Many services notify you of unusual login attempts (from unfamiliar locations or devices) or password changes. Review your inbox for such warnings. Also, be aware of messages from friends who might report receiving spam from your account.

Once a breach is confirmed, it's time to take action.

Reporting the Breach

Major tech companies (Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc.) are equally invested in protecting your accounts. Their systems often detect suspicious activity and automatically lock accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Your first step is to report the incident to the affected service. Search online (e.g., "report Gmail hack") to find the appropriate reporting page. Always verify the URL to ensure you're on the official website (e.g., google.com, apple.com). We recommend reviewing the official recovery instructions for Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

Follow the service's instructions. Recovery methods vary; you might need to verify your phone number, backup email, or answer security questions to prove your identity.

Regaining access is only the first step.

Change Your Passwords and Secure Your Accounts

Immediately change your password. Create a strong, unique password—never reuse old passwords or use the same password across multiple accounts. If you've used the compromised password elsewhere, change those passwords as well.

Most services display your active login sessions. Locate this setting and log out of all unrecognized sessions. (See examples for Facebook and Google).

Review your account settings thoroughly. Check personal information, connected third-party apps, security questions, and backup contact details. If you suspect your security questions or backup accounts were compromised, change them on all affected accounts to prevent future breaches.

Check Connected Financial Accounts

If your compromised account was linked to credit cards, bank accounts, or other financial services, review your statements for unauthorized transactions. Report any fraudulent activity to your bank immediately. Also, check for added payment methods or shipping addresses.

Enhance Your Security

Strengthen your online defenses to prevent future attacks. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts. Explore additional security features offered by individual services (e.g., Facebook's trusted contacts feature).

Investigate the Breach

Determine how the hacker gained access. Run a thorough virus and malware scan on your computer (after updating your operating system and antivirus software). Use a second opinion scanner (like Kaspersky or Microsoft Safety Scanner) for a more comprehensive check.

If the breach involved email, check for forwarded messages or new email filters. Hackers may redirect incoming mail; delete any suspicious filters. This is crucial for receiving password reset emails and security alerts.

Consider all major accounts compromised. Perform a security audit on each, following the steps outlined above. Refer to our guides on securing Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook accounts for detailed instructions.

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