10 Signs Your Company Has Been Hacked (And What to Do Next)

Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated each year. Knowing the 10 signs your company may have been hacked helps you act fast and protect your business. Whether you run a small team or manage a large enterprise, recognizing the early signs of a breach can prevent devastating financial and data losses.

Here are 10 clear indicators your business may be under attack — along with actionable steps to secure your systems.

1. You Notice Unusual Login Activity

Unexpected login attempts from unfamiliar devices or locations, especially during off-hours, suggest someone might be trying to access your system. Often, hackers attempt brute-force attacks to break into business accounts.

➡️ Quick tip: Enable login alerts and use two-factor authentication to monitor and block unauthorized access.

2. Employees Suddenly Get Locked Out

When employees lose access to their accounts for no clear reason, it’s likely an attacker has gained control. This tactic is common during ransomware attacks to prevent recovery efforts.

3. Strange Software Appears on Company Devices

If new applications or unknown pop-ups show up, malware may have been installed. These tools often run quietly in the background, collecting data or opening access to outsiders.

4. Systems Become Slow or Unresponsive

If multiple workstations slow down or crash without warning, don’t ignore it. Malware can consume system resources and disrupt normal operations to hide deeper activity.

5. A Ransom Message Demands Payment

This is the most obvious sign your company has been hacked. Ransomware attacks usually encrypt files and demand money in exchange for access. Ignoring it can lead to complete data loss.

6. Unexplained Financial Transactions Occur

Hackers often target payment systems or accounting software. If you see unauthorized transfers, changes to payroll, or altered invoices, you may be dealing with a financial breach.

7. Your Antivirus or Firewall Gets Disabled

Security tools turning off unexpectedly usually means someone has compromised your network. Cybercriminals often disable these tools to operate undetected.

8. Clients Report Suspicious Emails

When clients say they’ve received strange messages from your team, take it seriously. A hacked business email can spread malware or trick users into phishing scams.

👉 Related: How to Prevent Phishing in the Workplace

9. Files Disappear or Change Names

Missing, encrypted, or renamed files could mean someone is altering your company’s data. These changes often accompany ransomware infections or internal sabotage.

10. Your Network Shows Unusual Traffic

High levels of outbound data during odd hours may suggest someone is stealing information. Keep an eye on bandwidth spikes, especially to unknown IP addresses.

What Should You Do If You Spot These Signs?

Here’s how you can respond quickly:

1. Immediately disconnect compromised systems
2. Inform your IT department or managed service provider
3. Reset all login credentials
4. Check your data backups and restore clean versions
5. Run a full security scan and investigation
6. Report the breach to the appropriate authorities
7. Notify affected clients or vendors to maintain trust

How to Prevent Future Hacks

Avoiding future incidents requires a proactive cybersecurity plan. You should:

• Train your employees to recognize cyber threats
• Use multi-layered login protection
• Keep software and systems up to date
• Schedule regular security audits
• Partner with a cybersecurity provider for 24/7 monitoring

Final Thoughts

Spotting the signs your company has been hacked early is crucial. Acting quickly can help reduce damage, restore your operations, and protect your reputation. Cybercrime is a growing risk, but with the right awareness and preparation, your company can stay one step ahead.

Need help securing your business?
Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment and start building a safer future for your company.