In today’s digital age, it’s easy to become paranoid about your privacy. Concerns about being hacked or remotely monitored are increasingly common, especially when unusual activity appears on your phone, computer, or social media accounts. But how realistic are these fears? The answer might surprise you.
The truth is, in 9 out of 10 cases, what people perceive as hacking or spying is actually something far more mundane — and entirely avoidable. Most of the time, the issue doesn’t lie with sophisticated cybercriminals or shadowy hackers. Instead, it’s a case of human error, shared access, or digital oversight.
One of the most frequent causes of perceived hacking is that someone has left their account logged in on a shared computer. Whether it’s a family desktop or a communal tablet, it’s all too easy to check your emails or social media and forget to log out. This gives anyone else using the device access to your private messages, photos, and more — often without you even realising it.
Another common issue is the presence of old devices still connected to your accounts. For example, an unused iPad or smartphone left in a drawer may still be logged into the same iCloud, Google, or Microsoft account. If someone in the household picks up the device, they can see your messages, photos, or emails as they sync in real time.
Password sharing is another key vulnerability. Many people reuse the same password across multiple accounts — sometimes even for both shared and private platforms. If you’ve shared a Netflix password with a partner and then used the same one for your personal email or banking, you’re essentially giving them potential access without realising it. It’s not uncommon for ex-partners or relatives to take advantage of these overlaps, especially if a relationship has broken down.
In nearly all of these situations, the so-called “hacker” is someone known to the individual — a housemate, partner, or family member. It is incredibly rare for someone to hack a device or online account remotely without any existing access or shared credentials. Remote hacking, as portrayed in films or on television, requires an extraordinary level of technical skill, access to specialist tools, and often a significant motive. For the average person, it’s far more likely that their privacy has been compromised in more everyday ways.
So, what can you do to protect yourself?
Log out of accounts when using shared or public devices.
Change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same one across multiple platforms.
Enable two-factor authentication where possible — this adds an extra layer of security.
Check which devices are logged into your accounts, and remove any you no longer use.
Avoid sharing account credentials, even with people you trust.
If you’re still worried that someone has accessed your devices or has hacked into something, you may think about private investigation into the matter, as their expertise and help can help resolve any issues you might be facing.
In conclusion, while the idea of being hacked can be frightening, the reality is usually much less sinister. By taking simple precautions and staying aware of your digital footprint, you can protect your privacy and avoid unnecessary stress. Most of the time, a little digital housekeeping is all that’s needed to stay secure.
