Six Signs You Have Been Hacked

0
90
You Have Been Hacked

In today’s age of digital advancement, innovations have brought a revolution previously thought impossible. Various tools, gadgets, and technologies have made our lives easy. However, with all the digital advancements, people have become vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Hackers and cybercriminals continuously try to gain access into individual or organizational systems to fulfill their dire purposes.

An average person faces a lesser extent of a threat as compared to companies or someone famous. High profile targets become a victim of phishing attacks looking to steal sensitive financial or corporate data. Users of PCs, smartphones, Wi-Fi, and even webcams remain an active threat of any cyber attack.

You never know when someone enters your system without you noticing. Here are a few signs that will tell you that You Have Been Hacked.

  • Fake Antivirus Messages

Fake antivirus messages are a sure sign that someone has hacked and compromised your system. Not many people realize that they have become a victim until they receive anotification. Clicking No or canceling the fake scan is too little too late as the malicious program has already made its way into the system.

Usually, Java Runtime Environment or an unpatched Adobe product becomes a doorway for hackers to enter and exploit your system. Users often ask why these fake messages turn up on their screens before you Have Been Hacked. It is due to a phony scan that finds tons of viruses as a lure to buy their product. Once you click on that link, it directs you to a website that looks deceptively professional. They ask for your credit card and other information to gain complete control of your system. For hackers, this is the best and most preferred method of gaining control of a system.

  • Failure to Log-in

Your log-in credentials failing to work is another sign of a compromised system. The scary reality of it is that someone has your information and has changed or altered it in their favor. The situation can prove very serious if sensitive information lies behind the wall. Institutions for masters in cybersecurity online teach the value of securing log-in information as basics. If a hacker gains control of your log-in information, the situation might get worse. They can use iteither for manipulation or faking to be you.

  • Strangely Acting Browser

Suppose you notice strange behavior with your browser when operating or the usual homepage does not open. Or if there is a new search engine or page and clicking it redirects you to a strange page. All these signs indicate that there is an active worm or malware present in your system files. Hackers gain control of your browser and redirect you to a website owned by them. They capture all the information to gain access to other websites using your details. Sometimes these hackers showadvertisementson your browser as click-bait to collecting money.

  • Your Device Slows Down

If your perfectly working device slows down and acts strangely, then it is a subtle sign that something is wrong. Sometimes a device uses too much battery, or the mouse pointer moves by itself. All these factors point to the outside interface where a hacker has gained control of your device.

  • Receiving Ransomware Message

Randomly receiving a message from someone telling you that they have encrypted your data and asking for ransom can easily scare the living daylights out of you. Ransomware has gained popularity in the last few decades with billions in productivity damage and payments. Small businesses, hospitals, city grids, etc., are some of the most common ransomware victims.

Receiving ransomware messages is an obvious sign of You Have Been Hacked, and the worst part is that there is no guarantee of reverting data after payment. Cybersecurity professionals state that ransomware is not easy to decrypt, and most victims end up with days of downtime and monetary damage.

  • Unknown Social Media Invitations

Sometimes you receive ‘add as friend’ on social media from contacts already presentin your friend’s list. Turns out, these are bogus or fake profiles created by hackers in an attempt to control your social media presence. These fake profiles have ransomware files attached or Trojans in links that install automatically once clicked. Hackers then have complete access over the social media account once using key loggers to decipher usernames and passwords.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Hackers

If you want to keep yourself safe from hackers, here are a few quick tips before You Have Been Hacked:

  • Store your data in multiple locations for an immediate restore in case ransomware or other attacks happen. Backup and test the data regularly, and do not let the spell be the first time you have to access that data.
  • Notice the notifications from programs that you do not remember installing. If a popup happens from a program you already have or regularly use, then you can trust it; otherwise, let it go.
  • Understand your antivirus program’s warning layout and immediately power down your system if you receive a fake message. Disconnect your network and boot your computer in safe mode. Try uninstalling any newly installed programs or the ones you do not know existed on your system. This applies to both individual and corporate users.
  • Remove any bogus toolbars and install only the one officially released by the browser.
  • Type common keywords in the search engine and see where they redirect you. Users who use search engines regularly can easily control network traffic in their browser.
  • Update your firewall and antivirus software regularly to keep the latest threats at bay. Trust these applications from a reliable source only who frequently launch patches for excellent protection.
  • If your device works slowly, disconnect it from the internet. The first step to cut incoming commands is to power off the system and then run an antivirus or malware program to scan.
  • Regularly change your passwords and update privacy features. If your email service provides a two-way authentication system or any other method, then utilize it to prevent hackers from gaining ground.

Final Word

Protecting your system from hackers is not easy as their methods have evolved significantly. However, you can take preventive measures before You Have Been Hacked and look for possible signs that indicate a system compromise. Staying vigilant is the only way of keeping yourself out of harm’s way and prevent potential data breaches.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here