Yemi Adesola

8-signs-that-your-computer-has-been-hacked

The idea of having one’s computer hacked in the present day world is a nightmare. From personal data hacking and compromise to your laptop being erratic, cyber attacks are frequent than you would assume. Finding out the signs of a hack is vital because this way you will be able to defend yourself and act before it is too late. Therefore, one may find it difficult to know whether their computer has been infected or not. Here are some key warning signs to look out for:

Warning Signs and What To Do

1. Your computer is Slowing Down

If your computer immediately starts running slow or freezes, it may not mean that your computer is just getting outdated. There is also a possibility that some unwanted programs have been install on your personal computer without your knowledge that is using your system resources. Such malware could be stealing information or executing other processes in the background that leaves your computer with little memory space to run your application processes.

What to look out for

• Apps or files taking unusually long time to open.
• Random system crashes, hangs or freezes.
• Your cpu or memory is busy even while you are idling or browsing through relatively simple stuff online.

2. Unwanted Pop-ups Keep Appearing

We know pop-ups are bothersome when you’re simply going through your web pages, but if you’re getting them frequently—especially if your browser is closed—then it is likely that you have adware on your machine. This is very dangerous as hackers can use these to take you to other unsecure sites, steal your credentials or download even more unwanted programs

What to look out for

• Pop-ups that keep appearing even when you're not browsing.
• Being redirected to unrelated websites unexpectedly.
• Adverts that are oddly aggressive or look suspicious

3. New Programs or Files Appear Out of Nowhere

Programs and files that you did not install on your computer, and you have no knowledge of their existence are red signal. Malware such as key logger or remote access tool (RAT) is usually installed by hackers and give them full control of the targeted computer or allow hackers to monitor the happenings on the targeted computer. To see the programs running on your PC, click on the task manager menu on window PC to view the running applications.

What to look out for

• New apps or software you don’t recognize.
• Lost files in least expected locations with unfamiliar names.
• Applications which start automatically or those that are run in the background once the computer is booted

4. You’re Locked Out of Your Accounts

If you have been logged out of an account, or cannot log in to an account you normally use passwords, a hacker may change them. This is often a common problem to with accounts that are linked to important data such as e-mail or bank accounts. If you are also receiving password reset mails that you have not entered, then there is another red light that should make you be more careful

What to look out for

• Inability to access accounts using your correct password.
• Receiving password reset emails or account activity alerts that aren’t from you
• Accounts signing from unrelated location or IP address

5. Unusual Network Activity

Your computer could be hacked and used to participate in illegal activities without your knowledge. If you observe increased internet activity that was not as a result of your activity on the device then it is likely that it is being used to link to other systems or used as a botnet

What to look out for

• High data usage when your computer is not in use.
• Unknown devices connected to your network.
• Unexplained outgoing traffic in your network settings

6. Your Security Software is Disabled

Hackers know that antivirus and firewall programs are their biggest threats, so disabling them is often one of their first steps. If you notice that your antivirus is turned off or refuses to update, it’s a clear sign something is wrong.

What to look out for

• changes in settings you did not initiate such as your antivirus or firewall being turned off.
• Being unable to update or run your antivirus
• Notifications that something in your system has changed, such as your security settings.

7. Strange Emails or Messages Sent from Your Accounts

If someone close to you such as friends or colleagues are receiving mail, messages or any post on social media from your accounts then it may be that a hacker controls your account. This could lead to them tricking all your contact into clicking on the links you provided or sharing with them sensitive information

What to look out for

• Friends or family receiving strange emails or messages from you.
• Posts appearing on your social media accounts that you didn’t make.
• Messages in your inbox that you never wrote yourself but are now appearing in your “Sent” folder.

8. Your Browser Looks Different

If you’re noticing unfamiliar toolbars, plugins, extensions, or changes to your search engine, this could be a sign your browser has been hacked. Hackers use these to track your online activity, display unwanted ads, or even redirect your search queries.

What to look out for

• New extensions or plugging that weren’t installed by you.
• Homepage or search engine changes without your approval.
• Frequent redirects to unknown or malicious websites.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hacked

If any of these signs sound familiar to you, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some steps to follow:

• Disconnect from the internet immediately to stop any ongoing malicious activity.
• Run a complete antivirus scan to detect and remove malware.
• Change your passwords from a secure device and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
• Update your software and operating system to make sure there are no security vulnerabilities.
• Contact a professional if you need further help or if you’re unsure how severe the breach is.

Being aware of the warning signs and acting fast can prevent a small issue from becoming a full-blown cyber disaster. Stay alert and make sure you have up-to-date security tools in place to protect your computer from future hacks.