iCloud account hacked? Here’s what you should do next

Ever wondered what would happen if your iCloud got hacked?

Your iCloud account allows you to save your photos, documents, text messages, contacts, notes, calendar, and much more in one place without sacrificing the precious storage space on your device. It automatically backs up your data and synchronizes it across all your iOS devices to ensure easy accessibility.

There is no denying that iCloud has become an important part of our digital lifestyles, promising the utmost convenience and peace of mind. Following the 2014 mass account breach that affected several celebrities and television personalities, Apple has also significantly enhanced its online security features to keep your private information from falling into the wrong hands. 

However, your iCloud account can also be hacked. From phishing attacks to stolen devices, there are countless ways hackers and scammers could get access to your confidential files and use it for their nefarious purposes. 

What happens when your iCloud account is hacked?

A hacked iCloud account is not just inconvenient, it could also result in severe emotional distress and financial loss. 

Apart from experiencing a gross invasion of privacy, you could also become a victim of cyber extortion as hackers may demand a ransom for your photos and videos. Moreover, losing access to your medical records and financial documents can lead to identity theft and irreversible monetary setbacks. 

Hackers can also use the stolen contact information of your loved ones to launch social engineering attacks or sell the data on the dark web, making them a potential target of different types of scams. 

Signs your iCloud has been hacked

Here are a few warning signs your iCloud account has been compromised:

1. You can’t log into your account with Apple ID

If you have been logged out of your iCloud account and are unable to log back in using your Apple ID and password, it could be a sign that hackers have gained access to your account and changed your credentials. However, before you start worrying about someone stealing your sensitive data, please make sure you aren’t using an outdated password or have accidentally left your Caps Lock on.

2. Your device has been put into Lost Mode

Lost Mode allows you to lock your device so that others can’t access your personal data. It has been designed to protect your photos, texts, contacts, and other information if you lose your device or it gets stolen. However, since Lost Mode is activated from your iCloud account, hackers can use it to ensure you are unable to use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. 

3. Unrecognized files in your iCloud account

Another telltale sign of a hacked iCloud is seeing unfamiliar files and apps in your account. If you notice any strange activity, such as an influx of unrecognized messages or new photos, it means someone else has gained access to your iCloud and is using it at the same time as you are. 

4. Unfamiliar login notification from Apple

Apple sends its users an email notification when they log into their account from a new device. If you receive this notification but haven’t changed your device, it probably means someone is trying to use your Apple ID to gain unauthorized access to your account. Fortunately, the email sent by Apple allows you to immediately change your password in case of an unrecognized login attempt. 

Read more: How to delete your photos from iCloud

What to do if your iCloud account is hacked?

If you believe your iCloud account has been compromised, here are a few things you can do:

1. Change your Apple ID password

The first thing you need to do is to change your Apple ID password. It is generally a good idea to update your passwords every now and then to keep your account secure. Using a cutting-edge password manager such as PureKeep could also help you safeguard your iCloud account. 

However, if you cannot log in to your account with your current password, you will need to reset it. Here are a few different ways you can go about it.

• On your own iOs device: Go to www.icloud.com and click on “Forgot Apple ID or password.” Follow the instructions to reset iCloud password.
• On a different iOS device: Open the Apple Support app and click on “Reset Password” before selecting “A different Apple ID” and hit “Continue.” Follow the instructions to regain control of your iCloud account.
• On the web: Visit iforgot.apple.com and verify your account information to reset your password. Please note this option can be a little time-consuming, so only opt for this method if you find yourself unable to log in through a secondary device.

1. Sign up for an advanced encryption tool

No website or cloud storage is completely impervious to cyberattacks. So, if you want to protect your confidential information and private memories from prying eyes, consider encrypting all your files before backing them up to your iCloud account. 

PureEncrypt is a cutting-edge encryption tool that adds an extra layer of security to your online presence, allowing you to protect your data with absolute confidence. You can lock your entire folders and turn them into password-protected vaults, only accessible to you.

2. Turn on two-factor authentication 

According to Apple, more than 95% of its active iCloud accounts use two-factor authentication. The two factors used in this account security system include 

the Apple ID password and the six-digit passcode for the iOS device. While turning on two-factor authentication doesn’t make your account 100% secure against cyber threats, it significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized login attempts.  

3. Disable iCloud backup on your device

Another way to safeguard your sensitive data is to stop syncing and storing your files with iCloud until you have regained control of your account. Disabling this connection would keep hackers from accessing your information as your device’s photos, documents and other data will no longer be stored online. 

Here’s how you can disable iCloud backup and sync on your iOS devices:

• On your iPhone or iPad:  Go to “Settings” and tap your name before opening iCloud. From here, you can choose which apps you want to connect with iCloud.
• On your Mac: Click on “System Settings” or “System Preferences” in the Apple menu and then tap on Apple ID. Next, click iCloud before selecting and removing the apps on your device. 

Alternatively, you can sign out of iCloud to ensure your data no longer syncs or back up into your account.

4.  Check your Apple ID device list 

If you are suspicious someone else has logged into your iCloud account, consider checking the Apple ID device list for any unfamiliar devices. In case you find a device that you don’t recognize, please immediately remove it from your account.

Let’s look at how you can view the device list. 

• On your iOS device: Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device and click on your name. Next, scroll to the bottom to view the list of devices you are signed in.
• On the web: Open “iCloud for Windows” and click on “Manage Apple ID” to see the devices connected to your account. 

Click or tap on unfamiliar devices to remove them from your account. 

So, there you have it – a complete guide on what to do if your iCloud account gets hacked. Meanwhile, if you are looking for ways to safely delete your iCloud, our comprehensive guide on the topic will surely help you out.