What to Do If You've Been Hacked — 2026 Guide | Nerq

Step-by-step guide if your account was hacked. Secure your accounts, check for damage, prevent future attacks. Updated March 2026.

What to Do If You've Been Hacked — Step by Step 2026

If you suspect your account has been compromised, act fast. Here's the complete response checklist, prioritized by urgency.

Change your password immediately — Start with the compromised account, then any accounts using the same password
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — Use an authenticator app, not SMS
Check for unauthorized transactions — Review bank statements and payment accounts
Log out of all sessions — Most services have a "log out everywhere" option in security settings
Revoke app access — Check connected apps and remove any you don't recognize

Check haveibeenpwned.com — See if your email appears in known data breaches
Run a malware scan — Scan all devices for keyloggers and malware
Update all passwords — Use a password manager to generate unique passwords
Notify your bank — If financial data was exposed, request fraud monitoring
Check email forwarding rules — Hackers often set up forwarding to maintain access

Updated March 2026. Source: Nerq independent analysis.