Unexpected account activity
Password-reset messages, unfamiliar logins, sent messages you did not write, or changes to your recovery email can mean an account has been compromised.
+44 (0)1743 668200Symptoms of Being Hacked
A single symptom does not always prove a cyber attack, but several unusual changes together are a strong reason to act quickly.
Prepared and reviewed by IT Life-Raft
UK-based IT support and cyber recovery guidance. Last reviewed September 2026.
Common signs your device or account may be hacked
Pop-ups and browser changes
Persistent adverts, redirects, new toolbars or a changed homepage can be signs of adware or malicious browser extensions.
A suddenly slow or unstable device
Unusual crashes, overheating, loud fans or heavy network activity may indicate hidden software running in the background.
Security tools have stopped working
Malware may disable antivirus protection, updates, backups or access to security websites.
Unknown apps or files
Programs you do not recognise, new administrator accounts or files appearing unexpectedly should be investigated.
Financial or identity warnings
Unrecognised payments, credit alerts or unexpected multi-factor authentication prompts require immediate action.
If you notice these symptoms
Disconnect affected devices from the internet, do not enter important passwords on them, and use a different trusted device to secure your email and financial accounts. Then follow our recovery checklist.
See the next stepsIndependent UK guidance
The National Cyber Security Centre provides additional response and recovery guidance for small organisations.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse.
Recover now and secure your devices for the future.