Your Apple Account (previously known as your Apple ID) is a vital part of the Apple ecosystem. It does so many things, but because you have to log into it on so many devices, there’s always a risk of your account being compromised, even if you are careful.
Here are some warning that you might have been compromised. Apple may alert you about suspicious activity but here are some other signs.
Notifications. Apple sends a notification or an email when it sees an attempt to log on from an unrecognized device, or when an attempt to change your password is made.
Unsolicited two-factor authentication code. You get a code that you did not request, or you did not perform an action that triggers a code.
Password failure. Your password stops working, and messages appear that you need to input your password.
Unusual activity. You notice things are happening that you didn’t do, such as deleted files or sent emails or texts, or you may see an unfamiliar device in the Devices section of your Apple Account in Settings.
See if there are unknown devices associated with your account. Sign in to your Apple Account. Look at the Device tab in the left column. Delete any devices you do not recognize by Remove from Account Button.
Take back control:
Reset your Apple password in Settings or go to https://account.apple.com/ Check your information to see if it correct. Check your Mail and Messages apps to make sure you still have control.
Secure your Apple Account. It’s a good idea to do this even if you have not been compromised.
Check your user info. In Settings, your Apple Account info is at the very top. It should display your name, and when you tap it, you should see your name and the email address associated with the account. In your Apple Account settings, check the Sign-In & Security info and make sure the email and phone numbers match your info.
Set up two-factor authentication. In Apple Account Settings > Sign-in & Security, you can activate two-factor authentication. When you log into your account, a notification on your trusted devices appears to alert you of the login. You’ll need to enter a six-digit code to authorize the action.
Use a security key. For extra protection, you can use a security key that either plugs into the USB-C port on your iPhone or Mac or connects wirelessly via NFC. A security key is a keychain-size hardware device that stores the credentials of your online accounts and connects to your device when you need to log into your Apple Account or other online account.
(From an article in MacWorld July 2025)