This page is written for people who are scared, unsure, or overwhelmed. If you’re wondering about:

• signs of being hacked
• how to tell if you’ve been hacked
• is my computer hacked
• is my phone hacked
• what to do if hacked
• security breach steps
• compromise response guide

This page will help you check your devices and find resources to help, whether you are an individual or a business.

You probably have NOT been hacked if:

• Your computer is just slow
• One app keeps crashing
• You see random ads or pop‑ups
• Your Wi‑Fi is spotty
• A website won’t load
• You forgot a password
• Your phone battery drains fast

These are normal technical problems, not hacks.

You might be hacked if:

• You see logins you don’t recognize
• Your password suddenly doesn’t work
• Files are missing or changed
• You clicked a suspicious link and things got weird
• Your bank or email shows activity you didn’t do
• Your antivirus warns you about malware

If two or more of these apply, treat it as a possible compromise.

Simple “Yes/No” Compromise Checker

YES — Act now

If you answer yes to any of these, assume compromise:

• “Did someone log into my account without me?”
• “Did I click something sketchy and the device changed behavior?”
• “Did I lose access to an account I normally use?”
• “Did money move or messages send without me?”

NO — Probably not hacked

If you answer no to all of these, it’s likely a normal tech issue.

Plain‑Language First Steps

These are written for someone who is panicking and needs clarity.

1. Stop using the device for anything sensitive.
2. Disconnect from Wi‑Fi.
3. Write down what happened.
4. Don’t delete anything. Don’t reinstall anything.
5. Follow the step‑by‑step guide below.

Flowchart: “Am I Actually Hacked?”

This is a simple, panic‑proof decision tree. It’s written so even a non‑technical person can follow it.

Start Here

Did something happen that you didn’t do? (e.g., unknown login, password changed, money moved, messages sent)

→ Yes → Likely Compromise → No → Continue

Did you click something suspicious?

(link, attachment, pop‑up, “urgent” message)

→ Yes + device changed behavior → Possible Compromise → Yes + nothing changed → Monitor → No → Continue

Is your device acting strangely?

(pop‑ups, new programs, settings changed, files missing)

→ Multiple symptoms → Possible Compromise → One minor symptom → Likely normal tech issue

Is your password suddenly not working?

→ Yes → Likely Compromise → No → Continue

Is this only happening in one app?

→ Yes → Likely a normal app problem → No → Continue

Final Check

If you have two or more “Yes” answers, treat it as a possible compromise and follow the response guide.

If you have zero or one “Yes”, it’s probably not a hack.

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If You Need Professional Help

If your answers suggest a possible compromise and you need expert help, SDSUG maintains a vendor‑neutral directory of specialists who assist with account breaches, device compromises, and incident response. Referral fees may apply; SDSUG does not endorse specific vendors.

See the Vendor Directory: Incident Response and Data Compromise.

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Last Updated: September 2026