5 Signs Your System is Compromised

5 Signs Your System is Compromised

 

Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly common. Hackers sneak into systems and steal private information like credit card numbers and billing information, which they can then sell for profit. Since hackers are so sly, it can be difficult to realize that your private information is being hacked. Some people can go weeks, or even months, before realizing that their information has been compromised. There are a few signs to look out for that will indicate that you are being hacked.

 

Fake Antivirus Messages

 

The messages vary — some will inform you that you have a virus that needs to be taken care of, others will say your computer is clean. Their goal is to get you to click on the message, which will take you to a well-built site pretending to be something it’s not.

 

The website will likely present itself as a credible antivirus company. From there, they might ask you to provide a credit card number along with billing information. Once the hackers have payment information, they will begin to drain your funds. Unfortunately, many people fall for this scam.

 

The best way to avoid scams like this is to have a trusted IT service provider on call to ensure that your system is running smoothly. If you receive an antivirus notification, immediately contact your IT service provider so they can look at your computer to make sure it’s clean.

 

Unfamiliar Programs Installed

 

Another telltale sign you’ve been hacked is if you discover unfamiliar programs installed on your computer. This is why it is important to be familiar with the programs that you have installed. If you downloaded a program that you no longer use, or that does not work properly, you should uninstall it.

 

Keeping track of your programs will help you recognize which programs may be malicious. If you find that new programs are continually being installed onto your computer, you should make sure to get your computer checked out.

 

Emails

 

Another common place for hackers to steal private information is through email. These are frequently described as “phishing scams.” A common indicator that your email has been hacked is if your email contacts are receiving emails from your email address that you yourself did not send. Hackers are known to send out mass emails to entire contact lists in hopes that they will be able to steal their information as well.

The best way to protect your email from hackers is to make sure that your password is secure. Whenever you’re taken to a page to submit login credentials, check the page URL to confirm you’re in the right place. If you find the login page URL is not the site you were expecting, there’s a good chance someone is trying to steal your password.

 

Changed Passwords

 

Once hackers have figured out your login information, they will likely change the passwords so that you can no longer access those accounts. If you use the same password for all the websites that you belong to, it becomes more likely that when one site is hacked, they all will be compromised.

 

The most common websites targeted by hackers are social media sites and email. Another indicator that your social media sites have been hacked, besides your inability to login with your password, is random posts that are popping up on your profile and being sent to your friends.

 

There are many ways to know you’re being hacked. Some are more obvious than others, which is why it is so important to be aware of these signs, but there are just as many methods that escape detection. This is why it’s critical to have a skilled IT management team on your side.

 

If your software is at risk, and needs protection, contact us today!