In the modern world, we rely on computers for almost everything – from communication and work to entertainment and socializing. Unfortunately, this reliance also makes us vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can leave us exposed to all sorts of danger. One of the most common forms of cyberattacks is hacking, which can have devastating consequences. In this article, we’ll explore 5 symptoms indicates that your computer is hacked, and what you can do to protect yourself.
1- Slow performance
One of the most noticeable symptoms of a hacked computer is a sudden drop in performance. If you’ve noticed that your computer has become significantly slower than usual, it could be a sign that someone has gained access to your system and is running malicious software in the background. This type of software is often designed to consume resources, which can slow down your computer and make it difficult to use.
If you’re experiencing slow performance, the first thing you should do is run a virus scan. This will help you identify any malicious software that may be running on your computer. You should also check your task manager to see if there are any suspicious processes running in the background. If you find any, you should immediately terminate them and investigate further to identify the source of the problem.
3- Unexplained network activity
Another sign that your computer has been hacked is unexplained network activity. If you notice that your internet connection is being used excessively, even when you’re not actively using your computer, it could be a sign that someone is using your computer to carry out illegal activities or to steal your data.
To identify any unexplained network activity, you can use a network monitoring tool. This will help you track the traffic on your network and identify any suspicious activity. If you find any, you should immediately disconnect your computer from the network and investigate further to identify the source of the problem.
In windows you can use “netstat” command and verify all the “Established” connections”, you can monitor the ip-address that the connection is coming from, and also the port number of that connection.
3- Pop-ups and strange messages
If you’re seeing an unusual number of pop-ups and strange messages, it could be a sign that your computer has been hacked. This type of malicious software is often designed to display pop-ups and messages that encourage you to click on them. When you do, you could be unwittingly installing more malicious software onto your computer.
If you’re experiencing pop-ups and strange messages, the first thing you should do is run a virus scan. You should also be cautious about clicking on any pop-ups or messages that you’re not familiar with. If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid clicking on them altogether.
4- Unauthorized changes to your system
If you notice that your computer has been modified without your knowledge or consent, it could be a sign that someone has gained access to your system. This type of malicious software is often designed to make changes to your system that allow hackers to control it remotely.
To identify any unauthorized changes to your system, you should regularly check your computer’s settings and configurations. If you notice any changes that you’re not familiar with, you should investigate further to identify the source of the problem. You should also be cautious about installing any software or updates that you’re not familiar with.
5- Missing or modified files
If you notice that files are missing or have been modified without your knowledge or consent, it could be a sign that your computer has been hacked. This type of malicious software is often designed to delete or modify files in order to conceal its presence or to steal your data.
To identify any missing or modified files, you should regularly check your computer’s file system. If you notice any files that are missing or have been modified without your knowledge or consent, you should investigate further to identify the source of the problem. You should also be cautious about downloading or opening any files that you’re not familiar with.
What to do if you suspect your computer has been hacked?
If you suspect that your computer has been hacked, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the damage.
First, disconnect your computer from the internet and any other network immediately. This will prevent any further damage or unauthorized access to your system.
Next, run a virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus software. This will help you identify any malicious software that may be running on your computer. If the scan identifies any threats, make sure to quarantine or remove them immediately.
You should also change all of your passwords, especially if you suspect that they may have been compromised. This includes your email, social media, banking, and other accounts. Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Finally, consider seeking professional help from a reputable cybersecurity expert. They can help you identify the source of the problem, remove any malicious software, and implement measures to prevent future attacks.
Preventing future attacks
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to cybersecurity. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from future attacks.
First, keep your operating system and software up-to-date. Software updates often contain security patches that can help protect you from known vulnerabilities and exploits.
Next, use a reputable antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. This will help protect you from known malware and viruses.
You should also use strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and consider using a password manager to help you remember them.
Finally, be cautious about downloading and opening files from unknown sources. Malicious software can be disguised as legitimate files, so it’s important to be cautious and only download files from trusted sources.
To conclude, if you suspect that your computer has been hacked, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the damage. By being aware of the symptoms of a hacked computer and taking steps to prevent future attacks, you can help ensure that your personal and sensitive information remains secure.