Don't throw your hands up in frustration, it's [+][-] usually fairly straightforward to recover and protect a hacked Apple account.Getty ImagesApple works hard to maintain a high level of security. But its still possible for your Apple Account, or Apple ID, to be hacked. Its a prime target for criminals, as it allows them access to your personal information and lets them track your location. They can potentially see your iCloud content, and most worryingly of all access your saved payment methods, including credit cards and Apple Pay. We look at the signs that your Apple Account may have been hacked, the steps you should take to sort things out if it has, and how you can stay safer in future.How To Tell If Your Apple ID Is CompromisedThe most obvious sign that your Apple Account has been hacked is a message from Apple telling you that theres been some sort of account activity that wasn't carried out by you.This might, for example, be access from a a device that you dont recognise or a change to your password that you didnt make. An unexpected two-factor authentication code could be sent to your iPhone, iPad or Mac. There could be messages you didnt send or purchases on the App Store or iTunes that you didnt make, or your device might be locked or placed in Lost Mode by someone other than you. Perhaps iCloud emails and iMessages show as read before youve opened them.Sign 1: Unexpected AccessYou may receive a notification from Apple that an unexpected device has accessed your account or simply notice this yourself. The message should tell you the date and time of the login, along with the operating system and type of device used. Meanwhile, an unexpected two-factor authentication code could be sent to your iPhone, iPad or Mac.Sign 2: A Password Change You Didnt MakeIf you attempt to log in and get the message that your password is incorrect, you should of course try again in case youve mistyped. If it happens repeatedly, though, it's a sign that a hacker has gained access to your Apple Account and changed the password themselves, locking you out.Sign 3: A Change To Your Contact InformationA hacker may change the email address or phone number associated with your Apple Account. If this happens, you should receive a message from Apple, saying that your account information has been updated.Sign 4: Unusual ActivityYou may spot unusual activity on your Apple Account, such as messages you didnt send, or unexpectedly deleted items. There may also be purchase activity that you didnt authorize, or new apps may be installed. iCloud emails and iMessages may show as read before youve opened them.What Should You Do If Your Apple Account Is Hacked?If you think your Apple Account has been hacked, the first thing you should do and you should do it straight away is change your password to something unique and hard to guess.If you cant change your Apple Account password because a hacker already has you should reset it. You should also update any personal or security information related to the account that isnt correct or that you dont recognize. Similarly, remove any devices you dont recognise. Apple also advises that you should also check with your email provider and mobile network provider to make sure youre still in control of every email address and phone number associated with your Apple Account.Step 1: Change Your PasswordYour first step should be to change your Apple Account password to something strong and hard to guess. If you cant, you should be able to reset it through Apple support. And while youre at it, turn on two factor authentication, if it isn't already enabled.Step 2: Update Account InformationYour next step should be to go to account.apple.com to check that your personal or security information is correct, and change any details you dont recognize.Step 3: Check Your Device ListNext, you should remove any unauthorized devices from your account. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, and scroll down to see a list of all devices using your Apple ID. Check for any you dont recognize and select them, then tap Remove from Account.Step 4: Check With Other ProvidersYou should also contact your email provider and mobile network provider to make sure youre actually in control of every email address and phone number associated with your Apple Account making sure, for example, that SMS forwarding hasnt been set up for a phone number associated with your Apple Account.Step 5: Check For Signs Of Identity TheftCheck your financial accounts for activities that you dont recognize, and query any that you find. And check through your emails for notifications of login attempts on other accounts such as Instagram, Facebook or Gmail.How Can You Recover Your Apple Account?The steps listed above should help you recover your Apple Account. However, if you find that you cant reset your password or sign in, theres a further recovery process.Go to account.apple.com, then iforgot.apple.com and follow the instructions. You can do this on somebody elses Apple device using the Apple Support app, or even at an Apple Store. Youll need the email address or phone number associated with the account and if you don't have this information, there's a chance you may never regain access, in which case you'll need a new account. And, be warned, even if the process is successful, it may take several days before you can use your account again.How Can You Protect Your Apple Account From Hackers?Keeping your Apple Account safe from hackers is a question of basic cyber hygiene, and of taking advantage of the companys existing security features.Make sure you use a strong password, and that its one you dont use anywhere else. Set up two-factor authentication. Ignore messages from phone numbers or email addresses that you dont recognize or that are trying to scare you into doing something under pressure scammers often pretend to be Apple support staff, so double-check if you receive any messages. Always use an antivirus package, and keep software up to date, so that you're getting any security updates immediately.Bottom LineApples famously high levels of in-built security mean that it's pretty unlikely that your Apple Account will be hacked. However, it does sometimes happen. Luckily, though, it's usually fairly straightforward to recover and protect your account.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Does Apple Notify You If You Have Been Hacked?Apple will notify you if it detects any unusual activity on your Apple Account, such as a sign-in attempt from an unfamiliar device or changes to your account information.You may receive this message via email or text message, depending on the preferences youve set. Be warned, though: a common technique of scammers is to pretend to be from Apple itself, so if you do get a message, make sure you confirm this with Apple support, and dont give away any information.How Do I Check If My Apple ID Is Being Used By Someone Else?It is possible for more than one person to share an Apple ID, but its not recommended and if you discover that this is the case and you haven't specifically set someone else up with the account, it's a fair bet that you've been hacked.You can check whether any other devices are accessing your account by opening Settings, tapping your name and scrolling down to see a list.How To Tell If Your Mac Is Hacked?The main signs that a Mac has been hacked are slow performance, system crashes, a deluge of dodgy pop-up ads and the like.Other signs that your Mac may have been hacked include suspicious network activities such as unusual or unauthorized data transfers or unexpectedly high or abnormal network traffic. Unfamiliar user accounts may appear or password changes that you didnt make.How To Tell If Your iPad Is Hacked?Slow performance, system crashes and a deluge of dodgy pop-up ads are common signs that your iPad has been compromised.You may also spot apps that you didnt install, unusual or unauthorized data transfers or unexpectedly high or abnormal network traffic. Other signs that your iPad may have been hacked include the appearance of unfamiliar user accounts, password changes that you didnt make or unexpected changes to your account settings.