You must’ve heard in the news about the top companies getting hacked.
You may have seen your acquaintances experiencing it.
Or, you may even be in doubt that someone has hacked your PC.
So, how can you find out if your PC is actually hacked?
There are so many different ways through which hackers can get access to your computer. And the symptoms differ based on the purpose of hacking.
Before we begin, we want to make it clear that many computer problems aren’t a sign of hacking. It may be due to hardware or software issues. But, if the issue persists after fixing the problem or if the PC is acting weird with the following symptoms, then you need to be on alert.
7 Sure Signs That You’ve Been Hacked!
At LayerOne Networks, we provide security service for Corpus Christi companies and help businesses deal with hackers. With our practical knowledge in PC security service and cybersecurity attacks, we can differentiate between a computer issue and hacking and provide solutions for both situations.
1. Your Antivirus Program Is Shut Down
Some malware turns off the installed antivirus program to hide the warnings on your PC. If you notice that the antivirus is disabled or installed without any knowledge, then it’s a sign that you’ve been hacked.
2. New Applications Are Installed
Do you notice any new applications on your computer?
It can be a sign of a hacker to get access to your files. However, make sure that no one else using that PC has installed the application. Sometimes, a new program gets installed due to a software update. Or some new plug-ins or tools have a default ticked checkbox to install additional tools that you may have missed.
If your application installed is downloading or uploading information and is accessing the files, then beware. Get the help of a good PC security service to quickly identify and solve the issue.
3. Your Internet Activity Is Too High
When you’re the only person using the computer and the network activity is skyrocketing more than ever, then it’s good to be cautious about hackers. Most malware and viruses use the internet to transfer and gain remote access.
Sometimes, the internet’s speed may slow down considerably if the hacker is remotely accessing your computer.
You can check the applications that are using the internet the most using any simple tools. There are a few other simple ways to check if your computer is remotely accessed. Your security provider will know the best way to find out the reason behind the high internet usage.
4. Your Passwords Are Changed
If the local PC login password is changed, there are high chances that it may have been hacked. There’s no other way for the PC password to change on its own.
If your online passwords are changed, say your mail login or any other application login, then you can contact the provider and change your password as soon as possible. Some hackers may even change your security questions or phone numbers for the Forgot Password option. During such times, it’s best to contact the service provider directly. The hackers may be using your application for unscrupulous operations.
Usually, hackers get access to your password through phishing emails that collect your login credentials.
5. Your Browser Has New Toolbars
Not many of us are aware of the tools that are on our browser. And this is one of the main ways through which hackers gain access.
When our browser has multiple toolbars, we rarely take notice of what those are. Many hackers exploit this nature of ours and install toolbars that monitor and record our browser usage.
So, the next time you’re unsure about when you’ve installed a particular toolbar, remove it immediately.
6. You See Too Many Pop-Ups and Unrelated Ads
Many of us have disabled the pop-ups on our browsers. When you notice pop-ups even during those times, then it’s a good sign that you’ve been hacked.
Hackers make money when you click on the ads and so you can see too many of these pop-ups if you’ve been hacked.
One more way hackers make money is by displayed ads that are totally irrelevant. Yes, it’s true that Google and other search engines display ads. But when the ads don’t match with your recent searches and browser history, then it’s time to watch out for the other signs of hacking.
7. Task Manager Is Disabled by the Admin
If your Task Manager disappears, stops or won’t start, then it’s an alarming sign that your PC may have been compromised. Malware programs gain access to the data on the computer by shutting down the Task Manager and taking control.
The best way to handle this situation is to perform a complete restoration of your PC. You never know how the malware acts. So, install a strong anti-virus program to deal with the issue. There are chances that the malware is ‘stubborn’ and doesn’t leave your PC. This is the time to call in the experts and take no more risks. You can contact our experts here at Layer One Networks to provide security service in Corpus Christi.
Wrapping Up
There’s nothing like being too careful when dealing with hackers. Taking high preventive measures is always better than trying to fix a problem.
So get the help of an expert security service company in Corpus Christi, Texas, to install high-secure firewalls, malware protection programs, and anti-virus programs to safeguard yourself from the prying eyes of the hackers. Get in touch with us now to get a personalized security plan for your PC.