Have you been hacked? How would you know hacking signs? These are questions that a business whether small or large unable to answer many times. It is lamentable that mostly hacked sites refer to small businesses. Even, many businesses do have not enough knowledge about the steps to overcome such disasters. Redirection of web search, ransomware message, password not working, unwanted software installs, missing money from an online account, strange network traffic is few indicators that a security expert or IT admin should notice and take some immediate action to avert it further. In this short piece of information, we would discuss few indicators in detail that can help you take precautions.
List of Hacking Signs
Below are some of the hacking signs which you should know about. Let’s dive into a deep understanding.
1. Fake Antivirus Message
When a pop-up message on your PC screen notifies you about your PC health, it means that your PC system is at risk. Such fake antivirus message comes from any malicious software that you have already installed on your system. This fake message lures you to buy a product and instead of removing the virus from the system, it will redirect you to another website where attackers will ask for login credentials. However Antivirus software still plays huge role in virus detection and removal.
2. Unnecessary Browser Toolbar
If you do not recognize any toolbar that comes with any software download, then avoid it. Before installing software, read the agreement dialogue box and uncheck the box asking for a toolbar installation.
3. Redirected Web Search
When you enter any keyword in the search engine, and the results appear to be very different then your PC might be at risk. Such redirected web search may happen due to a bogus toolbar. However, with the use of MiniToolBox, users can prevent redirected web search results. Hackers are paid for such redirected web searches and move users to fake websites instead of users who want to visit.
4. Frequent Popup
When you face unwanted browser pop-ups from websites that are not introduced by websites, it means your computer system is at risk. Some pop-ups can bypass the browser anti-pop upsetting and force you to close them manually. Once you click on them these pop-ups will redirect you to another malicious or phishing website.
5. Fake Emails
Malware programs that monitor your email contacts send fake emails. Malware programs stay hidden in email attachments. It may happen that your friends get such fake emails from your account; it indicates your system has been exposed. Currently, hackers try to take email addresses from social media profiles then send fake emails containing your name but with a bogus email address.
6. Password Change
Today in the digital era of the internet people used to have multiple social accounts, email IDs, blogs, etc. and they keep the same password for all accounts. People also used to keep their password guessable, which can motivate hackers to hook your account. The victim should immediately take action to prevent potential damage. Hackers can collect your login credentials by sending an email, which may contain a phishing website URL. Users are requested to identify the legitimate websites and directly visit the website instead of clicking on the link inside an email.
7. Unexpected Software Installed
Many malicious programs look legitimate, which plays a major role in the system breach. Such malicious software packed with Trojans and worms hides itself, and tries to modify the legitimate software. Therefore, it is sensible to read the license agreement, before downloading any software.
8. Mouse Makes Automatic Selections
Sometimes mouse cursor automatically blinks on the screen, which could be a hardware problem. However, the situation becomes worst when the cursor automatically starts to select and run the programs. It means that your system is compromised and such type of attack is different from other attacks. Hackers break the computer system and wait until the system becomes idle for a long time, and then attackers try to steal data and access different online user accounts.
9. Antimalware Disabled
When your antimalware is disabled, there is a big possibility of the system being vulnerable. Attackers can install the malware in your system, which will not allow your antimalware software to work properly. In some cases, antimalware may run in low status or blinks frequently on the screen.
10. Unusual Behavior Of Computer
If you find your PC showing unusual behavior like change in file content, sudden change of password, the appearance of unwanted programs, auto-connect to the internet, that indicate your PC is infected with the virus. You need to update the antivirus program and run the full scan and you can take data backup and in the worst scenario. You can also restore your computer if you fail to mitigate the unwanted behavior of your computer.
11. Screen Shows Malware Warning
Suddenly, your website shows a message that the website ahead contains malware means malicious. You should run an antivirus on your PC and scan for prevailing malware or virus. It might happen that you had installed a malicious script, add-on, or software unknowingly. In another case, you have previously visited a website where your system was infected with malware.
12. Stealing Money From Bank Account
The bank account is ripe fruit for any attacker, and they try to gain access to login details by exploiting your PC system or by compromising your email. A Phishing email pretends to be legitimate that aims to steal your login details. In this case, an attacker can gain access to your bank account, change the contact information, and steal a large amount of money.
13. Unusual Transactions In Bank Account
Currently, many people use net banking facilities in fast life for money transfers, bill payments, etc. When your bank account shows missing money or an odd transaction then immediately contact the bank authority and consider the bank statement. Attackers can steal login credentials and swipe money from your bank account. Do not share your login credentials with anyone. Change your password frequently to avoid such threats.
Steps Against Hacking
If you are a victim of any of the above hacking techniques, then you should follow the important safety guards to prevent further damage to your system.
- Unplug router and printer cable so that attacker cannot monitor your system.
- Restart your PC, select safe mode, and if you find any unwanted software, uninstall it from the control panel.
- Restore your system at its earliest stage, run antivirus product, and scan the entire PC with boot scan to find vulnerabilities.
- Take a backup of your important files and data.
- In case of missing money, inform your bank and take advice about prevention steps.
- Also, tell your friends to delete fake emails that pretend to be coming from phishers.
Additional Tips to Be Safe from Hacked
Besides the above precaution steps, you can also try below recommendations for your system safety.
- Always update your antivirus software to fight against vulnerabilities.
- Turn on firewall in control panel to prevent unauthorized access to your PC system.
- Make sure that the Wi-Fi connection is legitimate before sharing files over.
- When the system is idle, unplug the internet cable to avert the potential attack.
- Wipe the data on your old hard drive before disposing it.
- Enable automatic software updates to keep your PC updated.
- Use two-factor authentication when it is available for you.
- Users should check for SSL Security in address bar while accessing banking website.
Conclusionfor Hacking Signs
It is time to understand different hacker’s sign that seems an alarm for business security. If you are risk-adverse then, a full computer restore is necessary during a breach. It is noticed that most hacking activities happen due to phishing tactics, trojan programs, and outdated software. If you keep an eye on these three activities, there are fewer chances of being breached. We hope that the above signs can alert you to spread further the breach.
