Today’s hackers are sophisticated and they’re capable of doing serious damage in order to gain access to your data. Stealthy hackers attack your system and obtain the information they want without you even noticing until it’s too late. Check out these signs you’ve been hacked, how you should react, and what you can do to prevent it.
Your machine slows down
It’s easy to blame your slow working computer on a poor internet connection. If you notice your computer is lagging when you’re using offline applications too, you may have been hacked. It can take a while to notice a difference in performance. Certain types of malware operate in the background while your system is still running. The virus is then able to slowly destroy your resources without your knowledge.
You lose control of on/off power
If you have lost control of basic functions on your computer, this is one of the signs you’ve been hacked. You may notice your mouse jumping around the screen without you moving it, or even your keyboard can start acting finicky. These small issues can indicate a breach and may lead to a much bigger issue if not addressed.
Your computer can’t perform security updates
Computers typically update automatically or send you an alert telling you it’s time for one. If you notice your computer is having issues completing regular security updates, you may have been hacked. Hackers use different forms of malware to keep your computer from performing updates so that your system stays vulnerable for them to perform future attacks.
A password you know by heart no longer works
There’s nothing more frustrating than typing in a password you know is 100% correct, and yet you still can’t get in. If you know you have typed your password correctly but you still can’t access your account, it could be compromised. Once hackers gain access to your password, they will change it and lock you out. Make sure to alert your IT team so they can help you to reset your password and ensure you are using a strong password on all of your accounts.
Start seeing random popups
Most web browsers are able to weed out any shady applications, but occasionally some things can slip through. If you start seeing sketchy pop-ups or get redirected to strange websites when you click on links, you may have been hacked. Check to see if an extra toolbar has been installed on your browser that you didn’t add and remove them immediately. Then be sure to alert your IT team of the situation.
Your accounts are sending out messages on their own
If you start noticing messages that you didn’t actually send in your outbox, then your account has most likely been compromised. Hackers like to use your personal accounts to send messages to your contacts. They do this to bait them into opening a malicious link that is disguised as a friendly message from you. If you think your personal account has been hacked the best thing to do is immediately update your password and let your contacts know you didn’t send the message.
So what can you do to prevent getting hacked?
The best way to prevent getting hacked is to make sure you have a good defense in place. Educate yourself on common methods hackers use so you know what to look for. A managed services provider can help you manage your security concerns and help keep your information secure. Learn more about what all a managed services provider can do for you.
