Nov 26, 2025 | posted by Lily Chavez
Did you know that a study by Michael Cukier from the Clark School of Engineering reports that someone gets hacked every 39 seconds? This means a constant stream of attacks is always happening, and learning how to protect yourself in the digital era is more important than ever. If you’ve been hacked before, you likely know how disruptive it can be. But for those who haven’t, here are clear warning signs that your devices or accounts may have been compromised.
Your computer or phone is running slowly or performing poorly
When a device has been hacked, battery life often decreases, and it may run hotter than usual. You may also notice your device working excessively hard during simple tasks, such as starting up or opening basic programs.
Frequent crashes
If software you normally use without issues suddenly begins to crash repeatedly, especially programs like antivirus or malware protection tools, you might be dealing with a compromised system.
Unusual online or account activity
This is one of the most alarming and obvious signs of being hacked. Watch for unexpected password changes, emails you didn’t send, unrecognized streaming activity, login attempts from unfamiliar locations, or strange posts on your social media. Any of these could indicate unauthorized access to your accounts or devices.
Random pop-up messages
If you start seeing frequent, unfamiliar pop-ups, often appearing too quickly to read or looking suspicious, your device may be infected with malware. Never click on these messages unless you are certain they are legitimate.
Unusual internet behavior
You may notice your browser showing history for websites you never visited, opening pages on its own, or displaying new extensions or bookmarks you didn’t add. Another sign is a sudden increase in your internet usage, which can happen when hackers use your device and connection for their own activities.
Practical Steps to Stay Safe from Getting Hacked
Of course, this article wouldn’t be complete without solid advice on how to stay safe from being hacked. While cyber threats continue to grow, there are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:
Keep your software up to date
Regularly update your operating system, apps, and antivirus tools. Many cyberattacks succeed because devices are running outdated software with known vulnerabilities.
Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Create long, complex passphrases and use a reputable password manager to help generate and store them securely. It’s also highly recommended to enable multi-factor authentication for a second layer of defense, such as a text message, authenticator app, or biometric scan.
Use secure Wi-Fi networks
Avoid connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks, especially public ones, when accessing private accounts. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN. Otherwise, stick to private networks you know and trust.
Monitor your accounts regularly and back up your data
Regular backups ensure your information stays safe even if your device is compromised. Store backups in a secure and separate location. Finally, make it a habit to check your email, financial accounts, and social media for suspicious activity. Early detection allows you to act quickly and limit damage.
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