FBI Shares Three Warning Signs Your Smart Device May Have Been Quietly Hacked

The FBI has outlined three key warning signs that could suggest your smart device has been accessed or hacked without your knowledge. These signs are not always obvious at first, but once you know what to look for, they become easier to spot.

Unlike what is often shown in movies, where hackers rapidly type lines of code to break into systems, real-world cyberattacks are usually much simpler and less dramatic. In many cases, attackers rely on basic methods that take advantage of small gaps in security.

One common example is phishing, where scammers trick people into sharing personal details such as passwords or account information. Once they gain access, they can use that data for a range of criminal activities, often without the victim realizing right away.

Most people stay alert when it comes to protecting devices like phones, laptops, and tablets. However, many overlook other everyday devices in the home that can also connect to the internet and create possible entry points.

These include smart devices such as TVs, refrigerators, thermostats, children's toys, and anything else that links to your Wi-Fi network. Even though they seem harmless, they can still be targeted if they are not properly secured.

The FBI highlighted this risk in an official bulletin, stating: "Cyber actors actively search for and compromise vulnerable Internet of Things (IoT) devices for use as proxies or intermediaries for Internet requests to route malicious traffic for cyber-attacks and computer network exploitation."

Once hackers gain access, they can use your devices as a way to hide their own activity. This can make it appear as if illegal actions are coming directly from your home network. Because of this, it becomes important to understand the warning signs that something may be wrong.

Here's how to tell if someone has hacked your device boonchai wedmakawand/Getty

Data use spikes

If someone is using your network without permission, one of the first things you may notice is a sudden increase in how much data is being used. This change can happen quickly and without any clear reason on your end.

When a smart device is infected with malware, it can start sending or receiving large amounts of data in the background. This might include activities like sending spam emails or taking part in attacks on other websites, all without your knowledge.

By routing this activity through your IP address, hackers are able to hide their identity and make it seem like the traffic is coming from your home instead of their own location.

If you notice that one specific device is suddenly using much more data than usual, it may be a sign that something is not right and needs attention.

However, spotting this change is not always easy right away, especially if you are not regularly checking your usage. That is where the next sign becomes useful.

Internet bill goes up

You might not immediately realize that your data usage has increased, especially if your daily internet habits have not changed. From your point of view, everything may seem normal.

However, your internet service provider is likely tracking your usage more closely. If they notice a sudden increase, it could result in higher charges or a different billing tier.

If your provider contacts you about higher usage when you have not done anything differently, it could suggest that someone else is using your network without your permission.

This is not the only clue to look out for, and there is another common sign that can appear at the same time.

Hackers can use your devices as proxies Oscar Wong/Getty

Devices start running slowly

When there is a large amount of traffic moving through your network, you may begin to notice slower performance across your devices. Things that once worked smoothly may start to lag or take longer to load.

In some cases, this could be due to normal reasons such as slow internet speeds, too many devices connected at once, or heavy online activity like gaming or streaming. However, if the slowdown appears suddenly and without a clear cause, it may point to something else.

Across all of these signs, the most important factor is a sudden and unexplained change. Whether it is a higher bill, increased data usage, or slower performance, these shifts can be early indicators that your network or devices are being used in ways you did not intend.